Case: Finn v. Global Engagement Center

Finn et al. v. Global Engagement Center et al.

COMPLAINT for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and Damages against All Defendants with Jury Demand (Filing fee $405 receipt number AFLMDC-23364001) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Civil Cover Sheet)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 5/16/2025 to edit the docket text (MLB). (Entered: 05/15/2025)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Civil Cover Sheet

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NEW CASE ASSIGNED to Judge Wendy W. Berger and Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. New case number: 3:35-cv-543-WWB-MCR. (ARL) (Entered: 05/16/2025)

NOTICE TO COUNSEL All counsel of record of Local Rule 2.02(a), which states, "The first paper filed on behalf of a party must designate only one lead counsel who - unless the party changes the designation - remains lead counsel throughout the action." Counsel must file a Notice of Lead Counsel Designation identifying lead counsel. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (MLB) (Entered: 05/16/2025)

Case Assigned/Reassigned

Notice to Counsel of Local Rule

NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by Seldon Jeffrey Childers on behalf of Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny. Lead Counsel: Seldon J. Childers. (Childers, Seldon) (Entered: 05/20/2025)

NOTICE TO COUNSEL AND PARTIES: The Middle District of Florida's revised Local Rules become effective April 1, 2024, and can be found on the Court's public website https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/local-rules. Additionally, the undersigned has issued Standing Orders, available at https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/judges/wendy-berger, that apply to all proceedings before the undersigned. For a just and efficient resolution of this case, the parties are DIRECTED to read and comply with the Middle District of Florida's Local Rules and this Court's Standing Orders. See Local Rule 1.01(a). Failure to comply with ANY Local Rules or Court Orders may result in the imposition of sanctions including, but not limited to, the dismissal of this action or entry of default without further notice. Signed by Judge Wendy W. Berger on 5/23/2025. (CKS) (Entered: 05/23/2025)

NOTICE of Local Rule 3.02(a)(2), which requires the parties in every civil proceeding, except those described in subsection (d), to file a case management report (CMR) using the uniform form at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. The CMR must be filed (1) within forty days after any defendant appears in an action originating in this court, (2) within forty days after the docketing of an action removed or transferred to this court, or (3) within seventy days after service on the United States attorney in an action against the United States, its agencies or employees. Judges may have a special CMR form for certain types of cases. These forms can be found at www.flmd.uscourts.gov under the Forms tab for each judge. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (CKS) (Entered: 05/23/2025)

ENTERED IN ERROR (CKS) Modified on 5/23/2025 (CKS). (Entered: 05/23/2025)

Order

Notice to Counsel of Local Rule

AMENDED COMPLAINT for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and Damages against All Defendants with Jury Demand. filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Childers, Seldon) Modified text on 6/4/2025 (MCB). (Entered: 06/03/2025)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

MOTION for Issuance of Summons by All Plaintiffs. (Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 06/26/2025)

SUMMONS issued as to Imran Ahmed, Bridget Bean, Brendan Carr, Center for Countering Digital Hate, Inc, Elvis Chan, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Communications Commission, Rob Flaherty, Global Engagement Center, Google LLC, Meta Platforms, Inc., Vivek Murthy, Kristi Noem, Kash Patel, Marco Rubio, Donald J. Trump, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, X Corp. (RLD) Modified text on 6/30/2025 (JKB). (Entered: 06/27/2025)

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 8 Amended Complaint by X Corp. (Hayes, Ashley) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 07/28/2025)

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by X Corp.. (Hayes, Ashley) (Entered: 07/28/2025)

NOTICE TO COUNSEL Kenneth M. Trujillo-Jamison Local Rule 2.01(c), Special Admission - File a Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Co-counsel with filing rights may electronically file the motion on behalf of the lawyer seeking Special Admission or the motion may be filed in paper format; Pay the Special Admission Fee; Submit a Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration through PACER. Visit www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers for details (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (ARL) (Entered: 07/28/2025)

Notice to Counsel of Local Rule

ENDORSED ORDER granting 30 Defendant X Corp.'s Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time. Defendant shall respond to the First Amended Complaint on or before September 30, 2025. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 7/31/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 07/31/2025)

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 8 Amended Complaint by Meta Platforms, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Deitchman, Ariel) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/01/2025)

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Meta Platforms, Inc.. (Deitchman, Ariel) (Entered: 08/01/2025)

ENDORSED ORDER granting 34 Defendant Meta Platforms, Inc.'s Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time. Defendant shall respond to the Amended Complaint on or before October 13, 2025. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/4/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/04/2025)

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 8 Amended Complaint by Google LLC. (Whitaker, Damon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/07/2025)

SUPPLEMENT re 37 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 8 Amended Complaint Notifying the Court that Google's Motion is Unopposed by Google LLC. (Whitaker, Damon). (Entered: 08/07/2025)

UNOPPOSED MOTION for Eric P. Schroeder to appear pro hac vice by Google LLC. (e-portal) (ELA) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/08/2025)

UNOPPOSED MOTION for Brian M. Underwood, Jr. to appear pro hac vice by Google LLC. (e-portal) (ELA) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/08/2025)

UNOPPOSED MOTION for Rachel H. Jones to appear pro hac vice by Google LLC. (ELA) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/08/2025)

ENDORSED ORDER granting 37 Defendant Google LLC's Motion to Extend Deadline to Respond to Plaintiff's Amended Complaint. Defendant shall respond to the Amended Complaint on or before October 10, 2025. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/8/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/08/2025)

Unopposed MOTION for Kasdin Miller Mitchell to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23715365 for $150 by Meta Platforms, Inc. (Deitchman, Ariel) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. Modified on 8/11/2025 to edit the docket text (MLB). (Entered: 08/08/2025)

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Google LLC identifying Corporate Parent XXVI Holdings Inc., Corporate Parent Alphabet Inc. for Google LLC.. (Whitaker, Damon) (Entered: 08/11/2025)

ENDORSED ORDER granting 39 40 41 43 Unopposed Motions for Special Admission. If Eric P. Schroeder, Esq., Brian M. Underwood, Jr., Esq., Rachel H. Jones, Esq., and Kasdin Miller Mitchell, Esq. have not already done so, they shall immediately register for a login and password for electronic filing at the Court's website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/11/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/11/2025)

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

NOTICE TO COUNSEL Eric P. Schroeder, Brian M. Underwood, Jr., Rachel H. Jones Local Rule 2.01(c), Special Admission - Pay the Special Admission Fee; (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (MLB) (Entered: 08/12/2025)

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Affidavit of Service by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Childers, Seldon) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/12/2025)

Notice to Counsel of Local Rule

Pay Fee

FEE PAID. Fee for pro hac vice appearance, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23723858 for $150 paid. Special Admission for Non-Resident Attorney Eric P. Schroeder. (Whitaker, Damon)

FEE PAID. Fee for pro hac vice appearance, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23723960 for $150 paid. Special Admission for Non-Resident Attorney Brian M. Underwood, Jr.. (Whitaker, Damon)

FEE PAID. Fee for pro hac vice appearance, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23724021 for $150 paid. Special Admission for Non-Resident Attorney Rachel H. Jones. (Whitaker, Damon)

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny. (Childers, Seldon) (Entered: 08/13/2025)

WAIVER of service returned executed on August 13, 2025 by Rizza Islam, Erin Elizabeth Finn, Sherri Tenpenny, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper as to Center for Countering Digital Hate, Inc. (Childers, Seldon) (Entered: 08/13/2025)

WAIVER of service returned executed on August 13, 2025 by Rizza Islam, Erin Elizabeth Finn, Sherri Tenpenny, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper as to Imran Ahmed. (Childers, Seldon) (Entered: 08/13/2025)

AFFIDAVIT of service by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J, # 11 Exhibit K, # 12 Exhibit L, # 13 Exhibit M, # 14 Exhibit N)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 8/14/2025 to edit docket text (JDR). (Entered: 08/13/2025)

PROOF of service as to Rob Flaherty served on 07/14/2025 by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 1)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 8/14/2025 to edit docket text (JDR). (Entered: 08/13/2025)

PROOF of service by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 1)(Childers, Seldon) (Entered: 08/13/2025)

PROOF of service as to Google, LLC executed on 07/18/2025 by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 1)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 8/14/2025 to edit docket text (JDR). (Entered: 08/13/2025)

PROOF of service as to Meta Platforms, Inc. executed on 07/15/2025 by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 1)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 8/14/2025 to edit docket text(JDR). (Entered: 08/13/2025)

PROOF of service as to X Corp executed on 07/11/2025 by Erin Elizabeth Finn, Rizza Islam, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper, Sherri Tenpenny (Attachments: # 1 1)(Childers, Seldon) Modified on 8/14/2025 to edit docket text (JDR). (Entered: 08/13/2025)

FEE PAID. Fee for pro hac vice appearance, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23729433 for $150 paid. Special Admission for Non-Resident Attorney Kasdin Miller Mitchell. (Mitchell, Kasdin)

Pay Fee

ENDORSED ORDER granting 47 Plaintiffs' Motion to Extend Time for Service of Summons and First Amended Complaint on Defendant Vivek Murthy. Plaintiffs shall perfect service of process on the subject Defendant and file proof thereof on or before September 27, 2025. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/14/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/14/2025)

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File

UNOPPOSED MOTION for Kenneth M. Trujillo Jamison to appear pro hac vice by X Corp. (e-portal) (ELA) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/19/2025)

ENDORSED ORDER granting 58 Unopposed Motion for Special Admission. If Kenneth M. Trujillo-Jamison, Esq. has not already done so, he shall immediately register for a login and password for electronic filing at the Court's website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/22/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/22/2025)

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Unopposed MOTION for Jordan L. Greene to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23796040 for $150 by Meta Platforms, Inc.. (Chapleau, Marianna) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/27/2025)

Unopposed MOTION for Shane D. O'Connor to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23796064 for $150 by Meta Platforms, Inc.. (Chapleau, Marianna) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 08/27/2025)

***PRO HAC VICE FEES PAID (Receipt Number 38164 for $150) by attorney Kenneth M. Trujillo Jamison, appearing on behalf of X Corp. Related document: 58 MOTION for Kenneth M. Trujillo Jamison to appear pro hac vice. (ELA) Modified on 8/27/2025 to edit docket text (MSN).

Fees Paid - Pro Hac Vice

ENDORSED ORDER granting 60 61 Unopposed Motions for Special Admission. If Jordan L. Greene, Esq. and Shane D. O'Connor, Esq. have not already done so, they shall immediately register for a login and password for electronic filing at the Court's website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 8/28/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 08/28/2025)

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Joint Motion to Stay Case Deadlines Pending Ruling on Forthcoming Motions to Transfer by Google LLC, Meta Platforms, Inc., X Corp. (Whitaker, Damon) Modified docket text on 9/8/2025 (JG). (Entered: 09/05/2025)

ORDER denying 63 Joint Motion to Stay Case Deadlines Pending Ruling on Forthcoming Motions to Transfer. Signed by Judge Wendy W. Berger on 9/8/2025. (CKS) (Entered: 09/08/2025)

MOTION for Abbe David Lowell to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23843291 for $150 by Rob Flaherty. (Lowell, Abbe) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 09/09/2025)

MOTION for Brenna L. Frey to appear pro hac vice by Rob Flaherty. (Lowell, Abbe) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 09/09/2025)

***PRO HAC VICE FEES PAID (Receipt Number AFLMDC-23843500 for $150) by attorney Brenna Frey, appearing on behalf of Rob Flaherty. Related document: 66 MOTION for Brenna L. Frey to appear pro hac vice . (SPM)

ENDORSED ORDER granting 65 66 Motions for Special Admission. If Abbe David Lowell, Esq. and Brenna L. Frey, Esq. have not already done so, they shall immediately register for a login and password for electronic filing at the Court's website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 9/10/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 09/10/2025)

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 8 Amended Complaint by Rob Flaherty. (Lowell, Abbe) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 09/10/2025)

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

ENTERRED IN ERROR (MSN) Modified on 9/11/2025 to edit docket text (MSN). (Entered: 09/11/2025)

Notice to Counsel of Local Rule

Fees Paid - Pro Hac Vice

ENDORSED ORDER granting 68 Defendant Robert Flaherty's Consent Motion for an Extension of Time. Defendant shall respond to the Amended Complaint on or before October 13, 2025. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 9/12/2025. (TAM) (Entered: 09/15/2025)

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

RETURN of service executed on September 10, 2025 by Rizza Islam, Erin Elizabeth Finn, Sherri Tenpenny, Sayer Ji, Christiane Northrup, Ben Tapper as to Bridget Bean, Brendan Carr, Elvis Chan, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Communications Commission, Rob Flaherty, Global Engagement Center, Vivek Murthy, Kristi Noem, Kash Patel, Marco Rubio, Donald J. Trump, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Whitney, Nicholas) (Entered: 09/16/2025)

Unopposed MOTION for Brenna L. Frey to Withdraw as Attorney for Defendant Rob Flaherty by Rob Flaherty. (Lowell, Abbe) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 09/23/2025)

MOTION to Amend 8 Amended Complaint by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Whitney, Nicholas) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson. (Entered: 09/24/2025)

ENDORSED ORDER granting 72 Defendant's Unopposed Motion to Withdraw. Brenna L. Frey, Esq. is relieved of any further responsibility as counsel for Defendants in this matter, but she shall comply with all applicable obligations on withdrawing counsel, including any applicable Bar rules. Signed by Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson on 9/25/2025. (SBL) (Entered: 09/25/2025)