The Atlanta City Council has approved a $2 million settlement to be paid to two college students, Messiah Young and Taniyah Pilgrim, who were shocked with Tasers and pulled from their car during protests over George Floyd’s killing in 2020. The lawsuit filed by the students argued that police had no justification for their actions. After the incident, two officers were fired, three were placed on desk duty, and arrest warrants were obtained for six officers. However, the dismissals were overturned due to procedural errors, and the charges against the officers were ultimately dropped by a special prosecutor in 2022. The council’s resolution states that the settlement is not an admission of liability.
The lawyers for Pilgrim and Young praised the city for agreeing to the settlement, emphasizing the emotional and mental scars left on the students. Body camera footage released showed the officers confronting the students during a traffic jam, with one officer pointing a handgun at Young. The video captured officers using a Taser on Pilgrim and forcefully removing her from the car, as well as using a Taser on Young and arresting him. Despite no weapon being recovered, officers cited concerns about a gun during the incident.
The settlement will allow the students and their families to continue healing from the traumatic experience, while also serving as a reminder of the ongoing fight against police brutality.
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