A federal jury in Little Rock has found that Arkansas State Police Trooper Ryan Wingo used excessive force against protester Don Cook during a George Floyd demonstration outside the Arkansas State Capitol on June 1, 2020. The jurors awarded Cook $881,127 in damages.
Background of the incident
On the day of the protest, demonstrators were ordered to disperse shortly before Trooper Wingo fired a 12‑gauge beanbag projectile at Cook as he was leaving the Capitol grounds. The shot struck Cook in the face, causing permanent damage that required emergency facial reconstructive surgery, according to a 2022 interview Cook gave to Channel 7 News.
Legal proceedings
Attorney Michael Laux filed the lawsuit in 2022, alleging that Wingo’s use of the beanbag projectile constituted excessive force. The case went to trial twice. The first trial ended in a hung jury. In the second trial, the jury concluded that Wingo’s actions were unlawful and granted Cook the monetary award.
The jury also rejected Cook’s claim that Trooper Wingo acted in retaliation for his participation in the protest. Additionally, the jurors found in favor of defendant Jeff Sheeler, determining that Sheeler did not retaliate against Cook by arresting him in May 2021.
Impact on the community
The verdict underscores ongoing concerns about law‑enforcement accountability in Arkansas, especially during the wave of protests that followed the death of George Floyd in 2020. Local leaders and civil‑rights advocates have called for clearer policies governing the use of less‑lethal weapons by state police.
While the award does not change the outcome of the protest itself, it provides a measure of restitution for Cook’s injuries and signals to state agencies that excessive‑force claims will be scrutinized in federal court.
What’s next?
Arkansas State Police have not publicly responded to the verdict at this time. The department may consider reviewing its training and use‑of‑force protocols to prevent similar incidents. Cook’s attorneys indicated they will monitor any further actions by the agency and pursue additional remedies if necessary.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
