Protester shot in head files lawsuit against law enforcement

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – A man filed a lawsuit claiming he was shot in the back of the head by a Louisville Metro Police Department officer or state trooper while protesting in downtown Louisville, according to court documents.

According to the lawsuit, Jonah Albert was protesting at the intersection of Cedar and South 6th streets around 8:25 p.m. on May 30 when law enforcement formed a barricade and put on riot gear.

​Video appears to show Albert gesturing toward police before turning to walk away from them.

The lawsuit states it was when Albert was walking away from officers when he was shot in the back of the head.

According to the lawsuit, the shot “caused him to lose balance and immediately fall to the concrete pavement writhing in pain.”

The lawsuit also claims the officers in the barricade about a block away where the shot came from were laughing at the situation, but it’s difficult to make out any laughter in the video provided in the lawsuit.

Albert was taken to an area hospital by another protester.

The lawsuit claims five cause of actions against law enforcement including unlawful battery and excessive force, violation of Civil Rights pursuant, violation of Civil Rights pursuant retaliation for protected speech and failure to intervene.

“Our lawsuit is not just about the individual that pulled the trigger,” said Albert’s attorney, Shaun Wimberly Sr. “It’s the individuals who stood there and failed to say or do anything, and our country cant allow for that.”

The plaintiff is seeking a trial by jury in addition to compensatory damages and other economic damages.

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