Austin, Texas, has settled nearly $30 million in lawsuits stemming from police misconduct during protests following George Floyd's murder. Many of these lawsuits arose from injuries inflicted by police using 'less-lethal' shotgun ammunition. Notably, $4.5 million was awarded to Sam Kirsch, who suffered life-altering injuries including the loss of an eye. With ongoing protests and increased scrutiny on the police, questions remain about the ability of the Austin Police Department to handle future demonstrations safely. Reforms have been attempted since 2020, but restoring funding to police has complicated these efforts.
Austin has settled nearly $30 million related to police misconduct lawsuits following protests after George Floyd's death, primarily due to injuries from 'less-lethal' ammunition.
Sam Kirsch, a settlement recipient, warned that more protests could lead to serious injuries if the Austin Police Department does not ensure safety during demonstrations.
High-profile settlements include $4.5 million to Kirsch, who suffers from permanent nerve damage after being shot, and $8 million to Justin Howell after a near-fatal head injury.
Despite some indictments of police officers, many have been dropped, leading to calls for reevaluation of police conduct during protests.
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