Denver Agrees to Pay $36,000 to a Protester Claiming an Illegal Search by Police at Anti-Trump Demonstration
Denver has approved a $36,000 payment to Thomas Yannuzzi, a protester arrested during a counter demonstration to a pro-Donald Trump rally in 2021, marking the latest development in a string of claims alleging police misconduct involving Denver police and protesters from 2020 and 2021.
The City Council's decision to settle the claim on Monday underscores ongoing tensions surrounding law enforcement practices during public demonstrations.
According to Yannuzzi's attorney, Adam Frank, Denver Police conducted unwarranted searches on rally attendees and counter protesters at a Stop the Steal rally supporting former President Trump.
Frank argued that Yannuzzi was subjected to a search without consent or legal justification simply because he was walking alongside someone dressed in black and carrying a backpack, leading to the confiscation of illegal brass knuckles.
While Yannuzzi faced initial charges related to the brass knuckles, which were later dismissed, Frank emphasized that Denver Police lacked legitimate grounds to search his client, raising concerns about the targeting of individuals based on their appearance rather than valid suspicions.
The Denver Police Department declined to comment on Yannuzzi's claim, reflecting the contentious nature of the allegations against law enforcement.
This incident adds to a series of legal challenges against the Denver Police Department, including a recent $4.72 million settlement in a class-action case involving over 300 Black Lives Matter protesters arrested during the 2020 demonstrations.
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Frank pointed to a report by Denver's former Independent Monitor on the handling of racial justice protests in 2020, highlighting police response to demonstrations.
He expressed satisfaction with the settlement outcome for Yannuzzi, emphasizing the importance of holding authorities accountable for respecting individuals' rights during protests and avoiding excessive use of force or unconstitutional tactics.
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