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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--The city of Columbus has reached a settlement with protesters who were injured by the police response during the demonstrations downtown in the summer of 2020.
City Attorney Zach Klein says the city will pay out $5.75-million, pending approval by City Council. The settlement also makes permanent the new policies and procedures for CPD response to peaceful protests.
A judge had earlier issued a temporary injunction preventing officers from using non-lethal force against peaceful protesters, like rubber bullets, tear gas, and other crowd control methods. The settlement makes that temporary injunction permanent.
At least three protesters were injured as a result of police conduct, including broken bones.
Klein says, "This settlement is a good step forward for both the Division of Police and for the entire community because it sets defined parameters and clear expectations for all when exercising and protecting First Amendment rights in Columbus."
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant also released a statement to the department, saying in part, "While I'm sure some of you are going to be shocked and/or upset with this settlement, I want to make it very clear that we are in this together and we will continue to be of a great service to the citizens of Columbus. This is not a reason to slow down the progress we have made."