$9.25M Payout For Protestors Tear Gassed In 2020 Philly Unrest

PHILADELPHIA — More than 300 people will get a cut of a $9.25 million settlement in a lawsuit filed against the City of Philadelphia in connection with tear gas and other measures taken in response to 2020 civil unrest.

The city Monday said it reached a settlement agreement with a group of plaintiffs who filed a class action lawsuit alleging physical and emotional injuries caused by the city’s response to civil unrest and demonstrations related to George Floyd's murder.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include residents of West Philadelphia and individuals who participated in demonstrations calling for police accountability on Interstate 676.

>>>RELATED: Kenney, Outlaw Apologize For Tear Gassing Protesters<<<

Under the Agreement, a total of $9.25 million will be distributed among the 343 Plaintiffs.

Additionally, a grant will provide $500,000-$600,000 to Bread & Roses Community Fund for free mental health counseling for West Philadelphia residents.

>>>RELATED: Less Than Lethal Munitions Banned Against Protesters In Philly<<<

Mental health counseling will be available to all residents within a radius of 52nd Street corridor in West Philadelphia, not just plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

"After several years of negotiation, we are confident that this settlement will provide an opportunity for the plaintiffs to heal and move forward from the incidents on May 31, 2020 and June 1, 2020," Philadelphia City Solicitor Diana Cortes said. "We are thankful that as a part of the terms of the settlement, Bread & Roses Community Fund will have the opportunity to provide mental health counseling to affected residents."

>>>RELATED: Former Philly Cop Charged For Pepper Spraying Protesters On I-676<<<

"The mass demonstrations that took place in Philadelphia and across the nation in response to the murder of George Floyd were unprecedented in scope," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said. "The Philadelphia Police Department is a learning organization, and we remain dedicated to moving forward in meaningful and productive ways. Along with city, state, and community stakeholders, we will continue to work non-stop towards improving what we as police do to protect the first amendment rights of protestors, keep our communities and officers safe, and to ultimately prove that we are committed to a higher standard."