A Los Angeles jury just handed taxpayers a $2.2 million bill for a protester who got hurt during the chaotic 2020 riots, raising serious questions about accountability and the dangerous precedent this sets for future civil unrest.
Story Snapshot
- Filmmaker Cellin Gluck awarded $2.27 million after being shot with less-lethal projectile during 2020 George Floyd protests
- Jury assigned 35% fault to protesters but still held LA County liable for excessive force
- The deputy who fired the projectile was never identified, preventing individual accountability
- LA County considering appeal as taxpayers face mounting costs from protest-related lawsuits
Costly Verdict Burdens Taxpayers
A Los Angeles jury awarded filmmaker Cellin Gluck $2.27 million and his daughter $195,000 after Gluck was struck in the face with a less-lethal projectile during a May 30, 2020 protest. The verdict came after the jury reduced the original $3.5 million award by 35%, acknowledging partial fault by the protesters themselves. LA County lawyers are exploring all options, including an appeal, as taxpayers once again bear the financial burden of decisions made during the lawless period following George Floyd’s death.
Anonymous Deputy Escapes Individual Accountability
The most troubling aspect of this case is that the deputy who fired the projectile was never identified, preventing any individual consequences for the officer involved. Gluck, who was reportedly unarmed and facing away from deputies when struck, sued Los Angeles County and unnamed deputies in 2021. This lack of identification highlights systemic issues within law enforcement agencies that make it nearly impossible to hold individual officers accountable for their actions during crowd control situations.
The incident occurred in LA’s Fairfax District during widespread demonstrations that followed George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis police custody. Law enforcement agencies across the country faced unprecedented challenges managing protests that frequently turned violent, with officers forced to make split-second decisions to maintain public safety. The use of less-lethal munitions became a standard crowd control tactic during this period of civil unrest.
Pattern of Expensive Settlements Emerges
This verdict follows a troubling pattern of costly settlements related to the 2020 protests. Journalist Josie Huang previously received a $700,000 settlement for unlawful arrest and violence by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department during the same period. These mounting legal costs represent millions of taxpayer dollars being paid out for incidents that occurred during protests that often devolved into riots and property destruction across American cities.
The financial impact extends beyond individual cases, as law enforcement agencies now face increased scrutiny and potential policy changes regarding crowd control tactics. Civil rights advocates argue for stricter limits on police use of less-lethal munitions, while law enforcement officials maintain these tools are necessary for public safety during volatile situations. The competing interests highlight the ongoing tension between maintaining order and protecting individual rights during public demonstrations.
Constitutional Concerns and Future Implications
While the First Amendment protects peaceful protest, the 2020 demonstrations frequently crossed the line into violent riots that threatened public safety and property. The substantial jury awards in cases like Gluck’s may create perverse incentives for future protesters while handcuffing law enforcement’s ability to maintain order. Legal experts note the difficulty of balancing constitutional rights with public safety, especially when officers must make rapid decisions in chaotic environments where peaceful protesters and violent agitators often intermingle.
Sources:
Protester shot in face by deputy projectile awarded over $3 million
Josie Huang LA County Settlement
