A federal judge has dismissed the defamation claim in a lawsuit by a New York City woman who was severely injured in an explosion while protesting the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota four years ago.
Sophia Wilansky suffered an arm injury in a violent clash between protesters and police. She and other protesters say the explosion was the result of a police flash-bang grenade, but law enforcement says protesters rigged a propane tank to explode.
Wilansky is seeking millions of dollars in damages from her claims in the lawsuit, but U-S District Judge Daniel Traynor dismissed claims of defamation against law enforcement officials who made public statements blaming her for her own injury.
The suit is continuing forward on claims of excessive force, assault, negligence, and emotional distress.