Chicago on Brink of $875K Settlement for Police Handling of George Floyd Protests
The Chicago City Council's Finance Committee is set to approve a $875,000 settlement in a lawsuit filed by demonstrators who claim they were brutally handled by Chicago police officers during the 2020 civil unrest sparked by the murder of George Floyd.
According to an inspector general's report, the Chicago Police Department was "outflanked, under-equipped and unprepared" for the protests, which sometimes devolved into violent looting. The settlement is just one example of the costs borne by taxpayers for the department's failures during that period.
The underlying lawsuit alleges widespread misconduct by police officers, including "brutal, violent, and unconstitutional tactics" intended to injure and silence protesters. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's attempt to limit her deposition in the case was shot down by the judge overseeing the case, just days before the settlement was reached.
Attorney Sheila Bedi, who represented plaintiffs in the case, withdrew from the role after accepting a job as policy chief for Mayor Brandon Johnson, sparking concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson noted that Bedi's dual role "raises eyebrows" and called for further inquiry into the settlement.
The lawsuit claims officers targeted protesters exercising their First Amendment rights with unlawful force, leaving many injured. Police actions included driving into crowds, deploying tear gas and pepper spray, and using batons to subdue demonstrators. Many officers failed to identify themselves or shield their identities during these incidents.
Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara defended his members, saying they were "put in a trick bag" with no plan for the demonstrations that led to rampant looting and violence across the city. However, Catanzara acknowledged that the use of force can be difficult but insisted it's not necessarily unlawful or improper.
The pattern of misconduct alleged against Chicago police officers bears similarities to recent allegations against federal immigration officers involved in Operation Midway Blitz. The irony was not lost on Catanzara, who described former Mayor Lightfoot as a "coward" for failing to prepare the city for the protests.
Retiring city Inspector General Deborah Witzburg noted that the $875,000 payout is part of a series of settlements and expenses related to the events. She attributed the shortcomings to the city's lack of resources, staffing, and preparation for the unrest.
As the City Council Finance Committee considers the settlement, it will also be asked to approve a separate $22 million payment tied to an unauthorized police chase that resulted in the death of 25-year-old Angel Eduardo Alvarez Montesinos.
The Chicago City Council's Finance Committee is set to approve a $875,000 settlement in a lawsuit filed by demonstrators who claim they were brutally handled by Chicago police officers during the 2020 civil unrest sparked by the murder of George Floyd.
According to an inspector general's report, the Chicago Police Department was "outflanked, under-equipped and unprepared" for the protests, which sometimes devolved into violent looting. The settlement is just one example of the costs borne by taxpayers for the department's failures during that period.
The underlying lawsuit alleges widespread misconduct by police officers, including "brutal, violent, and unconstitutional tactics" intended to injure and silence protesters. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's attempt to limit her deposition in the case was shot down by the judge overseeing the case, just days before the settlement was reached.
Attorney Sheila Bedi, who represented plaintiffs in the case, withdrew from the role after accepting a job as policy chief for Mayor Brandon Johnson, sparking concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson noted that Bedi's dual role "raises eyebrows" and called for further inquiry into the settlement.
The lawsuit claims officers targeted protesters exercising their First Amendment rights with unlawful force, leaving many injured. Police actions included driving into crowds, deploying tear gas and pepper spray, and using batons to subdue demonstrators. Many officers failed to identify themselves or shield their identities during these incidents.
Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara defended his members, saying they were "put in a trick bag" with no plan for the demonstrations that led to rampant looting and violence across the city. However, Catanzara acknowledged that the use of force can be difficult but insisted it's not necessarily unlawful or improper.
The pattern of misconduct alleged against Chicago police officers bears similarities to recent allegations against federal immigration officers involved in Operation Midway Blitz. The irony was not lost on Catanzara, who described former Mayor Lightfoot as a "coward" for failing to prepare the city for the protests.
Retiring city Inspector General Deborah Witzburg noted that the $875,000 payout is part of a series of settlements and expenses related to the events. She attributed the shortcomings to the city's lack of resources, staffing, and preparation for the unrest.
As the City Council Finance Committee considers the settlement, it will also be asked to approve a separate $22 million payment tied to an unauthorized police chase that resulted in the death of 25-year-old Angel Eduardo Alvarez Montesinos.
I'm actually kinda relieved that this settlement is happening. It's crazy how much money is being shelled out for what could've been prevented with better planning and training 
The $875k figure might seem like a lot, but think about all the people who were hurt during those protests - it's a small price to pay for accountability 
Plus, this settlement can serve as a warning to other cities that they need to be more prepared for large-scale unrest 
And let's not forget that Inspector General Witzburg has been vocal about the city's lack of resources and staffing issues 
So, in a way, this settlement is also a call to action for Chicago to invest in their police department and make sure something like this never happens again 
, $875k is way too much for what seems like some pretty sketchy policing from Chicago's cops. I mean, if they were really unprepared and outflanked by protesters it's not surprising their tactics got a bit out of hand. But still, 4 officers getting hurt (at least that we know of) doesn't exactly warrant a multi-million dollar payout 
. And what about the whole thing with Bedi just switching to Mayor Johnson's side? Foul play much? 
. I mean, who needs training and resources when you've got a bunch of angry protesters, right? 
. I don't think it's an excuse to say "we were caught off guard" when you've had months or years to prepare for this kind of thing 
. It's like the police department was just winging it and hoped for the best 
.
! Chicago's gotta take responsibility for their cops' actions, especially when it comes to violatin' people's rights 
. The fact that they're offerin' a settlement of $875k is just the tip of the iceberg - what about all the others who got hurt or traumatized? 
We need real change, not just token payouts 
. Like, come on, if you're gonna use force, do it right! Put on your uniform, shield your ID... basic stuff 
. And what's up with the lack of resources and prep? That's just plain lazy 
. Now let's see if they can actually use this settlement to make real changes and create a safer, more just community for everyone 
.
. The fact that there are concerns about Sheila Bedi's dual role is also worrying 
and now im hearing there was even a police chase that killed someone?? $22 million for that? thats wild. i feel bad for the guy's family but at the same time, cant the city have done more to prevent these situations from happening in the first place? like i know cops are human too and all but cmon. and what about the lawyer who just got a new job after getting caught up in this mess? like is she just gonna collect her paycheck and move on with her life while people are still suffering? 
. It's not like they didn't know what was coming. The city had plenty of resources and staff to prepare, but they just chose to ignore it.