Multnomah County announced a settlement of $9.08 million with more than 900 individuals who say they were exposed to tear‑gas and other chemical agents while detained at the downtown Portland Justice Center in the summer of 2020. The agreement, reported by KPTV, addresses claims that law‑enforcement agencies deployed tear‑gas almost nightly from May 29 to July 29, 2020, during protests that followed the murder of George Floyd.
According to the federal class‑action lawsuit, the tear‑gas was released outside the Justice Center and entered the building’s ventilation system, which supplies air to the attached Detention Center. Plaintiffs described a range of symptoms, including burning sensations in the eyes, skin, nose and throat, difficulty breathing, coughing, nosebleeds and vomiting. The exposure affected more than 900 detainees and inmates who were housed in the facility during that period.
While the county has not admitted liability, the settlement provides monetary compensation to the affected individuals. The agreement now awaits approval from a federal judge before any payments can be issued.
County officials emphasized that the settlement reflects a desire to resolve the longstanding dispute and to move forward. They noted that the settlement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing, but it does acknowledge the seriousness of the claims and the impact on those who were detained.
Portland residents have expressed a range of reactions. Some community advocates see the settlement as a step toward accountability for the handling of protests in 2020, while others caution that the county’s refusal to admit liability leaves unanswered questions about the policies that led to the tear‑gas deployment.
What’s next: The settlement will be presented to a federal judge for approval in the coming weeks. If approved, the county will begin distributing the $9.08 million to the claimants. The case also highlights ongoing discussions about law‑enforcement tactics during public demonstrations and the health safeguards for individuals held in detention facilities.
Sources: kptv.com
