A Service of Rainbow Law

Gay Bar Patrons Sue Atlanta Over Raid

Written by Ken Watts Wednesday, 25 November 2009 07:54

Lawyers for 19 patrons and one employee of an Atlanta gay bar that police raided in September have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Atlanta. Also named in the suit are the police department, chief Richard Pennington and up to 45 officers involved in the raid at the Atlanta Eagle.

Undercover officers say they had observed illegal sexual activity at the bar. Police records also show the department received complaints about the bar alleging drug sales on the premises. No patrons were arrested during the raid, but 8 employees were charged with code violations.

 

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs claim Atlanta Police violated their constitutional right against unreasonable search and seizure. They also allege false imprisonment, assault, battery and trespass.

Plaintiffs attorney Dan Grossman told public radio station WABE the principal behind the suit is drawn from everyday life.

"Imagine if police walk into a Walmart and see someone shoplifting and because they see what they think is a crime taking place at Walmart, they take everyone at Walmart, throw them on the floor, spread their legs, put their hands in their pockets, take their IDs, and put their names in a computer because they're at a place where someone else might or might not be doing something wrong," he said.

The raid was carried out by the department's Red Dog unit which is known for aggressive tactics. But Deputy Chief Carlos Banda told a recent community forum the squad is carefully supervised. Police Chief Richard Pennington said patrons were "frisked" for the officers safety.

Grossman said the suit, which seeks unspecified monetary damages, also aims to change police procedure.

Read the original article in The Examiner