Newark, NJ – A federal judge shut down an independent journalist’s civil-rights lawsuit on Thursday, granting multiple motion to dismiss bids from New Jersey officials and agencies and ending a case that challenged removals from public meetings and a church service.

Court grants Rule 12(b)(6) and abstention arguments

U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton granted motions to dismiss filed by Mayor–State Sen. Brian Stack, State Sen. Paul Sarlo, the City of Union City, the City of Jersey City, and the New Jersey State Police, disposing of Leonard Filipowski’s claims under Section 1983. The opinion cites Rule 12(b)(6) and the Colorado River abstention doctrine as the bases for dismissal.

Incidents at meeting, state hearing, and church underpinned claims

Filipowski, who publishes as “Leroy T

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