Obama judge rules on effort to block America 250 events at WH and Lincoln Memorial

U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta, an Obama appointee, denied an emergency request by two Washington-area residents to halt the mixed martial arts showdown, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing to sue in the first place and had not demonstrated a sufficient injury.

Mehta rejected this notion, writing that "general emotional harm, no matter how deeply felt, cannot suffice for injury-in-fact for standing purposes."

Mehta also emphasized the temporary nature of the disputed structures and activities. Construction associated with the event is scheduled to be dismantled shortly after the fight card concludes.

The ruling also referenced the expected attendance of thousands of spectators and the anticipated remote audience of millions.