Woman takes legal action against Blue Angels after being blocked on Instagram due to noise complaints about her cat.

Seattle Woman Sues Blue Angels Over Instagram Blocking

A woman from Seattle has launched a lawsuit against the US Navy Blue Angels, known for their flying demonstrations, after being blocked from commenting on their social media due to concerns about “state-sanctioned acoustic torture.”

Lauren Anne Lombardi filed the federal lawsuit on July 21, claiming the Blue Angels violated her First Amendment rights. Among the defendants listed are Navy Commander Adam Bryan, Public Relations Officer L. Ben Bushun, and an unidentified social media administrator.

Each August, the Blue Angels conduct airshows around Seattle, featuring their F/A-18E/F Super Hornet jets, which can exceed speeds of 700 mph and create high decibel levels. Lombardi characterized her complaints about the noise from the performances as part of an American tradition of voicing grievances against government actions.

However, she was ultimately blocked from making further comments on the Blue Angels’ Instagram account. The lawsuit contends that the administration of the account inhibited Lombardi’s ability to express her concerns and obstructed public awareness of legitimate complaints about government operations.

In her messages, Lombardi expressed her distress over the noise levels, stating, “Your f —– b —- You are terrorizing my cat and all other animals and wildlife.” Another of her messages indicated overall frustration: “no one will give you an f— about your stupid little plane.”

She also directed other users toward a petition on Change.org. Once Lombardi was blocked from the Blue Angels’ Instagram on August 5, 2023, she attempted to send a direct message that was never delivered.

Lombardi claims that her cat experienced distress due to the airshow noise, describing how it impaired her pet’s ability to cope. The lawsuit outlines that “Leila’s condition continued to deteriorate,” eventually leading to her being euthanized on August 11, 2024, attributed to the stress caused by the Blue Angels’ noise.

Although Lombardi has expressed support for the US military, her lawsuit focuses on the alleged environmental damage and infringement on constitutional rights stemming from the Blue Angels’ practices and the subsequent blocking of her comments.

She is seeking a court order to compel the Blue Angels to unblock her on Instagram, along with requiring the involved parties to undergo First Amendment training and cover her attorney fees.