In a significant development, two journalists from the Los Angeles Times have reached a settlement in their lawsuit against the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP), following an incident in 2020. The settlement, totaling $1.2 million, marks a resolution to the legal dispute stemming from alleged attacks by MSP troopers during their coverage of George Floyd’s murder response.
The lawsuit originated from an incident in 2020 when the two journalists, while covering the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, were reportedly attacked by MSP troopers. According to reports, the troopers cornered the journalists against a wall and used pepper spray and other projectiles against them.
The Los Angeles Times confirmed the settlement yesterday, revealing that the two journalists have agreed to accept $1.2 million to resolve the case. Out of this amount, $1 million will cover legal fees incurred during the lawsuit, while the remaining $200,000 will be divided between the journalists.
The settlement holds significant implications for both press freedom and accountability in law enforcement actions. It underscores the importance of protecting journalists’ rights to report without fear of violence or intimidation, especially during critical events such as public demonstrations and protests.
The Los Angeles Times has not issued a detailed statement regarding the settlement, but it’s seen as a positive outcome for the journalists and the newspaper. The MSP has not commented publicly on the settlement.
The $1.2 million settlement between the LA Times journalists and the Minnesota State Patrol brings closure to a legal battle that highlighted concerns about press freedom and law enforcement conduct. The resolution of this case emphasizes the need for respect for journalists’ rights and accountability in policing practices.
