FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — In a significant legal outcome, a woman who suffered serious eye injuries due to a rubber bullet fired by Fort Lauderdale police during a protest in 2020 has received a $2 million settlement from the city. The federal lawsuit brought forth alleged violations of civil rights by both the officer involved and the police department.
LaToya Ratlieff, now 38, was injured on May 31, 2020, amid a Black Lives Matter demonstration prompted by the murder of George Floyd. Floyd’s death occurred just days earlier, as a Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck for over nine minutes, triggering nationwide protests. During the Fort Lauderdale event, Ratlieff was hit by a rubber bullet after Detective Eliezer Ramos discharged the weapon while responding to the chaotic scene filled with tear gas.
A video taken by a bystander captures the moment Ratlieff was struck while she struggled to breathe amidst the tear gas and moved into the street. Her injuries included a fractured right eye socket, nerve damage, and a significant forehead injury that required 20 stitches. Beyond the physical injuries, Ratlieff has endured ongoing migraines and psychological distress.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ratlieff expressed her resilience through the ordeal, recognizing the broader implications of her struggle. “There were moments when, both mentally and physically, I was ready to give up,” she remarked. “But I tried to focus on the fact that this was important, not just for me but for everyone who seeks to use their voice to create meaningful change. While the financial settlement is crucial, the corrective measures will help ensure that what happened to me is a lesson for the future.”
While the Fort Lauderdale police chose not to comment, attempts to reach city officials for a statement remained unanswered.
The rubber bullet that impacted Ratlieff was designed to be non-lethal and typically includes a chemical irritant. Its size resembles that of a golf ball, and it can travel at speeds up to 200 mph. According to safety guidelines, such rounds should be aimed at the legs or lower body to minimize lethality, yet they can become dangerous if striking upper body areas, including the head.
Following an internal review, the police department found no wrongdoing on Ramos’ part, stating he had been targeting an individual hurling a tear gas canister at officers, unaware Ratlieff had entered his line of fire. The former interim chief of police later extended an apology to her.
The police department attributed part of the unrest to a faction of protesters who allegedly sought confrontation, pointing to instances of bottles and rocks being thrown. However, Ratlieff’s legal team argues that these aggressive actions escalated only after a police officer forcibly pushed a woman who was kneeling on the ground.
Additionally, a separate federal class-action lawsuit is progressing toward trial, targeting the city and police department for similar grievances voiced by other individuals injured during the protest.
