Vermont Settles Lawsuit: First Amendment Rights Violated in Middle Finger Incident
In a significant settlement, Vermont has agreed to pay $175,000 to settle a lawsuit brought forth by Gregory Bombard, who was charged with a crime for giving a state trooper the middle finger in 2018. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU of Vermont on Bombard’s behalf, alleged that his First Amendment rights were violated during an unnecessary traffic stop and retaliatory arrest.
According to the lawsuit, Trooper Jay Riggen stopped Bombard’s vehicle in St. Albans on February 9, 2018, under the belief that Bombard had displayed the offensive gesture. Bombard denies this claim but admits to cursing and making the gesture once the initial stop concluded. Subsequently, Bombard was stopped again and arrested on charges of disorderly conduct. His vehicle was towed, and he spent over an hour in jail before being cited to criminal court. Eventually, the charge against him was dismissed.
Under the terms of the settlement signed this month, the state has agreed to pay Bombard $100,000. Additionally, $75,000 will be allocated to the ACLU of Vermont and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression for legal fees. Hillary Rich, staff attorney for the ACLU of Vermont, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, but also emphasized that this incident should never have taken place. Rich stated, “Police need to respect everyone’s First Amendment rights – even for things they consider offensive or insulting.”
While the Vermont State Police declined to comment on the settlement, Bombard expressed hope that this incident would lead to improved training for troopers, discouraging them from silencing criticism or engaging in baseless car stops.
This case underscores the importance of protecting individuals’ First Amendment rights, even in situations where speech may be offensive or insulting. Freedom of expression is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and law enforcement agencies must be held accountable for respecting these rights. The settlement serves as a reminder that citizens should feel safe expressing their opinions, even in situations where their words may be perceived negatively.
Such incidents of alleged misconduct by law enforcement are not isolated and have raised concerns nationwide. Recent events, along with public outcry and increased scrutiny, have brought attention to the need for proper training and protocols to prevent violations of citizens’ constitutional rights. This case serves as another example of the ongoing efforts to address these issues and promote accountability within law enforcement agencies.
In conclusion, the resolution of Gregory Bombard’s lawsuit against the state of Vermont signifies a victory for free speech and the protection of individuals’ First Amendment rights. It sends a clear message that law enforcement must uphold these rights and reinforces the principle that citizens have the freedom to express themselves without fear of retribution. The settlement not only compensates Bombard for the violation he endured, but it also serves as a notable step towards ensuring that similar incidents do not happen in the future.