CHARLOTTE, NC — Seven members of the group Charlotte Uprising have filed a federal lawsuit against CMPD’s use of tear gas, smoke bombs, and intimidation on nonviolent protesters during the Charlotte riots.
The lawsuit seeks for a temporary restraining order that would prevent CMPD from using force against nonviolent protestors.
Officials say the lawsuit came after CMPD failed to respond to a letter sent Tuesday that requested them to commit to not using force against nonviolent protesters in future Charlotte protests. The complaint was filed by attorneys from the Souther Coalition for Social Justice, N.C. Central University’s Civil Litigation Clinic, and Tin Fulton Walker & Owen.
The City of Charlotte issued the following statement in response to the lawsuit:
“The City is reviewing the lawsuit filed late today. This has been and continues to be a difficult time for our community. CMPD respects and strives to protect everyone’s constitutional right to peacefully assemble, demonstrate and protest. At the same time, our officers are charged with maintaining peace and order and protecting public safety. Chief Putney and the men and women of the department have and will continue to work toward achieving both of these goals.”– City of Charlotte
You can read the full lawsuit here: Charlotte Uprising Lawsuit
You can also read the letter sent to CMPD here: Letter To CMPD Chief Kerr Putney
