“Vermont Pays $175k to Settle Lawsuit for Middle Finger Incident”
In a surprising turn of events, Vermont has agreed to pay a hefty sum of US$175,000 to settle a lawsuit on behalf of a man who was charged with a crime for giving a state trooper the middle finger back in 2018. The state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announced this groundbreaking settlement on Wednesday, shedding light on the violation of Gregory Bombard’s First Amendment rights during an unnecessary traffic stop and retaliatory arrest.
The Incident: A Violation of First Amendment Rights
The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by the ACLU of Vermont, highlighted the unsettling encounter between Trooper Jay Riggen and Gregory Bombard in St. Albans. Riggen pulled over Bombard’s vehicle on February 9, 2018, under the belief that Bombard had displayed the middle finger towards him. Despite Bombard’s denial, he admitted to cursing and showing the middle finger after the initial stop was completed.
This simple gesture led to Bombard being stopped again, arrested for disorderly conduct, and his car towed. Spending over an hour in jail and facing criminal court citation, Bombard’s charges were ultimately dismissed. However, the damage had already been done to his First Amendment rights.
The Settlement: A Beacon of Hope for First Amendment Rights
In an effort to rectify this blatant violation, the state of Vermont has agreed to pay Bombard US$100,000 and US$75,000 to the ACLU of Vermont and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression for legal fees. While this settlement may bring closure to Bombard, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding everyone’s constitutional rights, even in the face of perceived offense or insult.
A Call for Change: Police Accountability and First Amendment Protection
As we reflect on this incident, it raises critical questions about police accountability and the protection of First Amendment rights. Hillary Rich, staff attorney for the ACLU of Vermont, aptly stated, “Police need to respect everyone’s First Amendment rights — even for things they consider offensive or insulting.” Bombard, in his statement provided by the ACLU, expressed hope that the Vermont State Police would implement training programs to prevent the silencing of criticism and baseless car stops in the future.
In conclusion, this case serves as a sobering reminder of the power dynamics at play in encounters between law enforcement and civilians. As we navigate the complex landscape of constitutional rights and police conduct, it is imperative to strive for a society where freedom of expression is not only protected but upheld as a fundamental pillar of democracy.”
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