In a significant development, New York City has reached a $13 million settlement in a civil rights lawsuit involving over 1,000 individuals arrested or interacting with police during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. This substantial payout, which still requires judicial approval, stems from 18 protests following George Floyd's death in May 2020. Eligible individuals could receive approximately $9,950 each. The settlement allows the city to avoid a trial and is considered one of the largest payouts for mass arrests.

The 2020 protests and riots following Floyd's death led to widespread unrest, resulting in numerous fatalities, an estimated $350 million in property damage in Minneapolis alone, and nearly $2 billion nationwide. Thousands of arrests were made across the country. This settlement addresses allegations of First Amendment rights violations by the NYPD through aggressive tactics and unlawful arrests. The lawsuit named former Mayor Bill de Blasio, retired NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea, and other police leaders as defendants, though the settlement doesn't require them to admit wrongdoing. The city maintains that police were responding to an unprecedented and chaotic situation, emphasizing incidents of violence against officers and property damage.

While this settlement doesn't mandate changes to NYPD policing practices, other lawsuits seeking injunctive relief are still ongoing. A separate class-action settlement earlier this year awarded $21,500 to Bronx protesters, potentially totaling $10 million with legal fees. Additionally, over 600 individuals have filed separate claims against the city related to police actions during the 2020 protests, resulting in nearly $12 million in settlements. This latest settlement adds another layer to the legal and financial ramifications of the 2020 protests in New York City. Those arrested for violent acts, including property damage, assault, or weapons possession, are excluded from this settlement. Those documented obstructing arrests may also be ineligible.