LOS ANGELES — A jury has awarded $2.2 million to a protester who suffered facial injuries from a less-lethal projectile fired by a sheriff’s deputy during a police brutality demonstration in May 2020. The incident occurred amid widespread protests across the country following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
In its verdict, which was delivered last week, the jury held Los Angeles County accountable for the injuries endured by Cellin Gluck. They initially assessed his damages at $3.5 million and included an additional $300,000 for emotional distress awarded to his daughter who was present during the incident. However, due to the jury’s finding that Gluck and others at the scene shared some responsibility, the total awards will be adjusted downward by 35%. This brings the final compensation to approximately $2.27 million for Gluck and $195,000 for his daughter.
The county’s legal representatives expressed that they are considering all potential options moving forward, including the possibility of an appeal. Gluck, a filmmaker known for works such as “Oba: The Last Samurai,” claimed excessive force was used against him and his daughter during what was meant to be a peaceful assembly.
Gluck recounted that after leaving the protest, they approached another demonstrator who appeared injured and reported being struck by a beanbag round. Shortly thereafter, he was struck in the face by a nonlethal munition, despite being unarmed and only holding a camera, according to court documents. The impact caused him to fall backward, leading to severe injuries.
The injury resulted in a projectile becoming lodged in his nasal cavity, which required surgical removal nearly a year later. His claims state that he sustained permanent disfigurement, a traumatic brain injury, and other long-lasting effects as a result of the incident.
Carl Douglas, Gluck’s attorney, remarked that while the ruling allows for some semblance of justice, the awarded amount falls short of the initial request. He emphasized the severe implications of Gluck’s injuries, noting expert assessments indicate Gluck, now 67, will endure ongoing health issues related to the trauma.
Douglas also criticized the county’s inability to identify the deputy responsible for the shooting, suggesting this reflects poorly on the overall accountability within the law enforcement system. He argued that without meaningful repercussions, similar verdicts by juries will continue to emerge as communities demand reform.
In light of this case, the use of less-lethal munitions by law enforcement has recently faced increased scrutiny, particularly as protests against government policies persist. Incidents involving injuries to journalists during similar crowd control efforts have also raised alarms, leading to legal interventions calling for restrictions on the use of such projectiles.
Overall, this verdict underscores ongoing concerns about police conduct and the methods employed in crowd management situations. Those calling for greater oversight and reform remain vocal, emphasizing the need for law enforcement agencies to reassess their practices.
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