In a significant development, a federal appeals court has ruled that former President Donald Trump can be sued in civil court for his alleged role in inciting the riot at Capitol Hill in January 2021. The decision comes after two injured Capitol Police officers filed lawsuits against Mr. Trump, claiming that his remarks to the crowd to "fight like hell" contributed to the violence that ensued.

Mr. Trump had sought to claim immunity based on his role as president. However, a three-judge panel unanimously found that Mr. Trump was not acting in an official capacity when he made the controversial remarks. The panel noted that Mr. Trump was acting as a candidate at the time and failed to provide a compelling reason why his speech should be treated differently from a campaign ad rather than a State of the Union address.

The ruling does not determine Mr. Trump's liability in the lawsuits, but it establishes that he was acting outside his official duties when addressing the crowd. However, Mr. Trump still has the option to argue in future cases that he was acting as president, not as a candidate. He can also challenge the ruling at the conservative-leaning US Supreme Court.

The unanimous decision paves the way for potential further lawsuits against Mr. Trump concerning his alleged role in inciting the violence on Capitol Hill. Capitol Police officers James Blasingame and Sidney Hemby, who filed the lawsuits, seek compensatory damages and punitive damages for emotional and physical injuries resulting from the riot.

Reacting to the ruling, a spokesman for Mr. Trump described the decision as "limited, narrow, and procedural," emphasizing that it does not determine his liability in the lawsuits.

The riot at the Capitol unfolded as lawmakers were meeting to certify President Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. Prior to the violence, Mr. Trump had addressed a rally in Washington DC, urging his supporters to march to the Capitol. The attack resulted in injuries to at least 138 Capitol and Metropolitan Police officers, and four police officers died by suicide in the subsequent months.

As Mr. Trump continues to lead the pack of Republicans eyeing the party's nomination for the 2024 presidential election against President Biden, his legal challenges persist. In a separate case, a New York judge reinstated a gag order on Thursday, prohibiting Mr. Trump from making disparaging comments about court staff in his ongoing civil trial.

The ruling in the appeals court signifies a step forward in holding accountable those who allegedly endanger democracy and the lives of those sworn to defend it. The officer's lawyer, Patrick Malone, hailed the decision as a validation that individuals responsible for such actions will be held to account.

With the legal battles mounting, Mr. Trump faces ongoing scrutiny as he navigates the political landscape, seeking to potentially re-enter the presidential race in 2024. The coming months promise to be crucial as these legal proceedings unfold, shaping the landscape for Mr. Trump's potential political future.