Protester

Jury Delivers $2 Million Verdict to Protester Injured by Nonlethal Projectile

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A Seattle jury has awarded more than $2 million to a protester who was injured after being struck in the face by a nonlethal projectile fired by police during civil unrest in 2020. The decision follows a trial that raised significant questions about police use of force during protests against racial injustice. The incident occurred during a series of demonstrations in the summer of 2020, which were ignited by the killing of George Floyd. Protesters gathered in various cities across the country, including Seattle, demanding an end to systemic racism and police brutality. During one … Read more

New Kentucky Laws Set to Impact Student Phone Use and Protester Fees

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FRANKFORT, Ky. — A series of new laws aimed at schools and public protests are set to take effect in Kentucky, impacting students and demonstrators across the state. Among the notable changes is a ban on student cellphone usage during school hours, alongside new guidelines for handling protests. With the new law banning cellphones in schools, educators believe the policy will help reduce distractions in the classroom, aiming to improve focus and learning outcomes. Proponents argue that this initiative is essential in fostering an environment conducive to education, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions for … Read more

San Jose Jury Awards $1.3 Million to Protester Injured by Police During 2020 George Floyd Demonstrations

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San Jose, Calif. — A man who was injured by a police projectile during a George Floyd protest in the summer of 2020 has been awarded over $1.3 million by a federal civil jury. The verdict addresses claims of excessive force used by law enforcement officers, marking a significant legal outcome in the wake of events that drew widespread criticism globally and prompted changes in the city’s approach to managing protests. Kyle Johnson initiated a lawsuit against the city of San Jose and Officer James Adgar in 2021, alleging violations of his First and Fourth … Read more

Seattle Jury Awards $6 Million to Family of Black Lives Matter Protester Killed on Closed Highway

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Seattle, WA – In a significant legal ruling, a Seattle jury on Thursday awarded $6 million to the family of a Black Lives Matter protester who was fatally struck by a car on a closed interstate. The incident, which occurred amid the protests in July 2020, highlighted the ongoing legal and civil discourse surrounding protest safety and state liability. The protester, 24-year-old Summer Taylor, lost their life when Dawit Kelete, who was driving the wrong way on Interstate 5, hit them. Another protester suffered critical injuries during the incident. Following the incident, Kelete, 30, was … Read more