Elian Gonzales Raid Bystanders Lose Lawsuit
Bystanders, protesters and neighbors sued the federal government for being tear-gassed during immigration agents' Miami raid five years ago on the home of Elian Gonzales' relatives. The case proceeded to a non-jury trial. The court has ruled for the Government.
In a 19-page decision U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore said the demonstrators and bystanders failed to show enough credible evidence that federal officers' use of force was "unreasonable under the circumstances."
The 13 people sued the government for $3.25 million , claiming they had lingering injuries after being sprayed at close range on their own property or behind barricades. Three neighbors testified that an agent gassed them without warning from 2 to 4 feet (about 1 meter) away as they stood alone in their fenced front yards.
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