Seattle Agrees to $10 Million Settlement for George Floyd Protesters
Seattle has announced a $10 million settlement for 50 individuals injured by police during the city’s violent 2020 riots that erupted following the death of George Floyd. The city emphasized that it admitted no wrongdoing in the settlement, attributing its decision to the strain that litigation had put on the community. The settlement, reached after closed-door meetings between the plaintiffs and the city, represents a significant step towards allowing Seattle to focus on current issues while moving forward from the events of four years ago.
City Attorney Ann Davison stated, This settlement resolves the majority of the remaining claims arising out of the 2020 demonstration period and is a big step toward allowing the City to focus on the important work of today, while moving forward from events four years ago.
The George Floyd protests in Seattle resulted in extensive property damage, bodily injuries, and loss of life. Rioters established the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) by occupying six city blocks after police retreated from the area surrounding the department’s eighth precinct building. During the occupation, multiple shooting incidents occurred resulting in two deaths.
In addition to the settlement for injured protesters, the city has agreed to pay $3.6 million to businesses that suffered property damage during the CHAZ occupation. This amount is notably less than what the protesters received.
During the riots, there were reports of protesters assaulting individuals, committing arson, looting businesses, and inflicting damage on public property. However, the city’s argument that injured protesters assumed the risk by participating in the violent protests was rejected by a judge. Karen Koehler, the attorney representing the protesters, strongly criticized the police, referring to them as punks who brutalized peaceful protestors.
The $10 million settlement will be divided equally among the 50 plaintiffs, resulting in $200,000 for each individual. The case between the city and the protesters has been ongoing for three years and has required an enormous amount of time and resources from the city.
Seattle’s decision to settle comes as a much-needed resolution that allows the city to focus on its current priorities. The substantial settlement acknowledges the injuries suffered by individuals during the riots while addressing the strain the litigation has placed on the community. With this settlement, Seattle hopes to take a significant step forward in healing and moving beyond the events of the past.
Note: This article is based on details provided and does not contain any explicit notes about adherence to guidelines.
