What did Alex Jones say about the Sandy Hook shooting?

Alex Jones, the Austin-based far-right conspiracy theorist, is currently facing a $150 million lawsuit against parents of Jesse Lewis, a child killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The tragedy claimed the lives of 20 children, the majority of which were between 6 and 7 years old, and six adults. The mass shooting renewed the national debate about the Second Amendment right to bear arms, with proponents of gun control advocating for tighter rules surrounding gun ownership while opponents of gun control advocated for more armed guards in schools to prevent further violence.

Others, however, spread disinformation that the shooting was actually the work of shadowy players within the U.S. government using violence for political gain. Alex Jones was the leader of this conspiracy. Here's what you need to know about what Jones said about Sandy Hook:

Alex Jones discussed 2012 Sandy Hook shooting on Infowars program

Alex Jones called the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting a hoax on his radio show "Infowars," claiming it was "staged" by the government so they could "go after our guns” and “start a civil war.”

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Jones called the shooting “completely false” and accused grieving parents of being “crisis actors," or people acting as victims of a tragic event to sway public opinion.

'Perry Mason moment':Video of attorney revealing Alex Jones texts goes viral

In his deposition last month, Jones claimed he was not responsible for the effect his statement had on the parents of the children killed in the shooting because he "wasn’t trying to cause pain and suffering." Jones also claimed that the victims of Sandy Hook and their parents are being used to diminish the First Amendment.

“If questioning public events and free speech is banned because it might hurt somebody’s feelings, we are not in America anymore. They can change the channel. They can come out and say I’m wrong. They have free speech," Jones said.

What are the accusations Alex Jones faces in his trial?

Jones’ conspiracy theories gained traction among far-right supporters, prompting some to harass the parents of the deceased children. Parents of 6-year-old victim Jesse Lewis endured years of harassment and death threats. Neil Heslin, Lewis' father, described it as a “living hell," including an instance where someone drove past his house, firing shots and shouting "Infowars" and "Alex Jones."

"My life has been threatened. I fear for my life and safety, and the safety and life of my wife," he said.

Heslin and Lewis are currently seeking $150 million from Jones: $75 million for damaging the parents’ reputation and $75 million for emotional distress. The figure holds a deeper meaning according to the couple's lawyer. Mark Bankston said every dollar represents an American who believed Jones’ conspiracy after a poll found that 1 in 4 Americans think that facts about the Sandy Hook shooting are being concealed to further a political agenda.

More:Alex Jones trial: Sandy Hook parents have PTSD, live in terror, psychiatrist testifies

When will verdict in Alex Jones verdict be reached?

The trial, which has been going on since July 26, has one more week of testimony before jury deliberation begins.

Alex Jones has faced lawsuits before

This lawsuit is the first of three against Alex Jones by the parents of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Judges in both Connecticut and Texas have found him liable for damages caused by his false claims. He was also found guilty of defamation last year. In total, nine families have sued Jones over the years.

More:Alex Jones' main company files for bankruptcy; Austin trial expected to continue

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What Alex Jones said about Sandy Hook shooting, how parents responded