City of Rochester Settles Lawsuit with Noah Pointer-Gamory for $1.75 Million
The City of Rochester has agreed to pay $1.75 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Noah Pointer-Gamory, a protester who claimed he was blinded in one eye by a police officer’s use of a pepper ball during demonstrations in 2020.
The settlement, finalized earlier this month, resolves the legal dispute without admission of wrongdoing by the city or the Rochester Police Department (RPD).
The incident occurred during protests sparked by the death of Daniel Prude, a Black man who died in Rochester police custody. Pointer-Gamory, then participating in the demonstrations advocating for police accountability and racial justice, was struck in the face with a pepper ball fired by RPD officers. According to his legal team, the injury caused permanent blindness in one eye, significantly impacting his quality of life and future prospects.
Pointer-Gamory’s lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleged that the police used excessive force in violation of his constitutional rights. The claim further highlighted broader concerns about police conduct during the protests, which were marked by clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators. Videos from the protests showed officers deploying tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper balls to disperse crowds, tactics criticized by local activists and civil rights organizations.
The settlement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Rochester Police Department’s handling of protests and broader calls for police reform. Advocates have urged the city to implement stronger oversight measures and prioritize de-escalation training to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The settlement will be paid through the city’s insurance fund. As part of the agreement, Pointer-Gamory has agreed to drop all claims against the city and its officers.
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