Seattle jury awards $6M to family of killed Black Lives Matter protester

In July 2020, during protests in Seattle over the murder of George Floyd, Summer Taylor, a 24-year-old Black Lives Matter protester, was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle on a closed section of Interstate 5. The driver, Dawit Kelete, was driving the wrong way and later faced legal consequences, receiving a 6.5-year prison sentence for vehicular homicide. Another protester was also critically injured in the incident. Taylor's family filed a lawsuit against the state of Washington, claiming negligence for failing to adequately secure the interstate and protect the protesters. They argued that the absence of patrol cars, barricades, and other safety measures contributed to the tragic event. The family’s attorney emphasized that the state’s lack of action constituted negligence. During the trial, the jury found that while the driver was responsible for the accident, the state was not negligent. The state contended that Taylor's presence on the freeway was illegal and that both Taylor and Kelete shared responsibility for the incident. This argument highlighted the complexities surrounding the legality of protests and the responsibilities of both protesters and authorities. Ultimately, the jury awarded Taylor's family $6 million in damages, with specific amounts designated for her parents and brother. This case underscores the ongoing discussions about protest safety, state responsibility, and the legal implications of actions taken during civil unrest.