Ala. Secretary of State after Trump Twitter ruling: 'I'm not unblocking anybody'
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill said he has no intention of unblocking anybody on social media after a federal judge ruled President Donald Trump’s blocking of Twitter followers a violation of the First Amendment.
The ruling was specific to Trump only, according to coverage by the Washington Post, but it may have set an important precedent as online boundaries for public officials are defined within the context of public records and freedom of speech.
Merrill, who is infamous for blocking those who disagree with him as well as those he calls “trolls” on Twitter, said he will continue removing followers from his digital presence if he feels so inclined.
“I’m not unblocking anybody I’ve already blocked, because there’s a reason those people were blocked. Anyone else that I feel needs to be blocked in the future will also be blocked. Anybody who wants to contact me can call me on my cellphone at 334-328-2787. Because I work for the people of Alabama. Roll Tide,” Merrill said.
Read more: https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/politics/2018/06/04/ala-secretary-state-after-trump-twitter-ruling-im-not-unblocking-anybody/660742002/