Philadelphia Settles with Protesters for USD9.25 Million Over Police Response to George Floyd Demonstrations

(MENAFN) The City of Philadelphia has reached a USD9.25 million settlement with 343 protesters who were hit with tear gas and pepper spray during the 2020 George Floyd demonstrations. The protesters, who included residents of West Philadelphia, filed a class action suit alleging "physical and emotional injuries" caused by the city's response to the demonstrations on May 31 and June 1, 2020, following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The settlement will be distributed among the demonstrators and their attorneys, but damages will vary. Additionally, the city will provide USD500,000-USD600,000 in grants to the Bread & Roses Community Fund, which offers free mental health counseling to West Philadelphia residents.

The settlement comes after the protesters' attorneys described the actions of the Philadelphia Police Department as a "militaristic use of force during peaceful protests," according to CBS News Philadelphia. The settlement also includes the provision of mental health counseling to all residents within a radius of the 52nd Street corridor in West Philadelphia, not just plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney expressed hope that the settlement will lead to "reconciliation" between police and minorities in Philadelphia. He acknowledged the "pain and trauma caused by a legacy of systemic racism and police brutality against Black and Brown Philadelphians," but emphasized the need for healing and reconciliation.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw also commented on the settlement, expressing the Philadelphia Police Department's commitment to "moving forward." She acknowledged the unprecedented scope of the mass demonstrations that took place in Philadelphia and across the nation in response to the murder of George Floyd. She also affirmed the department's dedication to improving their approach to protecting the first amendment rights of protesters, keeping communities and officers safe, and ultimately proving their commitment to a higher standard.

The settlement represents a step towards accountability and justice for the protesters who suffered physical and emotional harm during the 2020 George Floyd demonstrations. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to address issues of systemic racism and police brutality in the United States. As the nation continues to grapple with these issues, it will be important for communities and law enforcement agencies to work together towards a more just and equitable future.

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