The City of Austin has reached settlements in nearly 80 civil lawsuits involving its police officers, reflecting a significant financial burden related to police conduct over the past five years. The total amount paid out in these cases has exceeded millions, with substantial sums linked to the Austin Police Department’s (APD) actions during the 2020 George Floyd protests.
Among the settled lawsuits, amounts have varied dramatically, ranging from $2,000 to an unprecedented $8 million. This record payout was awarded to Justin Howell, who suffered severe injuries during the protests when a police bean bag round struck him in the head, resulting in a skull fracture and brain damage that left him in a coma.
Howell’s brother, Josh, spoke out about the incident, criticizing the use of so-called less-lethal munitions, emphasizing that they can still cause significant harm. Howell was documenting the protest at the Austin Police Headquarters when he was injured, highlighting the risks faced by demonstrators during such events.
In total, at least seven protesters have received settlements related to APD’s response to the 2020 demonstrations. Attorney Jeff Edwards, who represents many of the affected individuals, has articulated the long-lasting impacts of police violence, describing how citizens can feel victimized by those sworn to protect them.
In response to public outcry, the APD has committed to discontinuing the use of bean bag rounds. The city has spent over $37 million on police-related settlements during the past five years, covering various issues such as excessive force, wrongful death, and numerous vehicle accidents.
Edwards noted that while settlements do not provide solutions, they should prompt the city and its leaders to reflect critically on their practices. The funding for these settlements is drawn from the city’s liability reserve fund, which is currently facing depletion due to unexpectedly high claims. City officials have indicated that this situation may leave them out of compliance with their own financial policies until at least 2029 or 2030.
