On May 30, 2020, while peacefully protesting following the murder of George Floyd, Deon Jones was shot in the face with a rubber bullet by a Los Angeles Police Department officer. Mr. Jones, represented by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, sued the City of Los Angeles and the officer for violating his constitutional rights in what became the landmark case Deon Jones v. City of Los Angeles.

In March 2023, a federal jury in Los Angeles returned a unanimous verdict for Mr. Jones, finding that the officer violated Mr. Jones’ rights under the Fourth Amendment and awarding him $375,000 in damages, including punitive damages. The jury specifically found that the officer’s shooting was malicious, oppressive, or in reckless disregard of Mr. Jones’ rights. Following that historic civil rights trial victory, Gibson Dunn announced the settlement of the remainder of the case in July 2023 with the officer agreeing to forego any appeal of the jury’s verdict, ensuring the case will continue to stand as a national message of accountability for police misconduct.

Deon Jones said: “I am proud and relieved that this multi-year fight for justice has concluded in such a momentous, historic outcome. The jury verdict in this case affirmed my faith in humanity and what it means to stand in one’s truth and power – indeed, that’s how change is always made. And, during a time where we see our rights being stripped away, I am grateful that my efforts to challenge and transform the status quo have moved the needle in the right direction for all people around the country who exercise their rights to peacefully protest.”