A federal judge on Monday dismissed a $40 million civil rights lawsuit that alleged police used excessive force against protesters in Ferguson following the death of Michael Brown.
(NBC)- In a 74-page ruling, Judge Henry Autry sided with Missouri law enforcement saying the protesters “have completely failed to present any credible evidence that any of the actions taken by these individuals were taken with malice or were committed in bad faith.”
The lawsuit, which was filed by nine individuals, alleged that local police unlawfully arrested, beat, tear-gassed and shot rubber bullets at them during the Ferguson riots.
The judge did not agree, instead saying protest participants “were advised to disperse” but ignored “repeated warnings.” He also granted immunity to the officers from the lawsuit.
“The decision was unfair and not consistent with applicable law,” Gregory Lattimer, one of the attorneys representing the protesters, told NBC News Monday evening. Lattimer said he felt “disappointment and frustration,” upon reading the judge’s decision.
(Photo Credit: LUCAS JACKSON / Reuters file via NBC)