MCKEESPORT, Pa. – The city of McKeesport and its police department have agreed to settle a lawsuit over the violation of numerous Black residents’ Fourth Amendment rights and the Pennsylvania Constitution during a police search for a shooting suspect.
The settlement includes a number of reforms, including an update to its Citizen Complaint Policy to allow for anonymous complaints to be submitted online, a schedule of public safety meetings throughout the year, a new training program with a focus on racial sensitivity, and a thorough review and analysis of the December 2020 manhunt. The settlement also includes a small monetary settlement for the plaintiffs.
Courtney Thompkins, a plaintiff in the case, whose home was surrounded by heavily armed McKeesport police officers before they illegally forced their way into her home and pointed a gun at her head, had this to say, “This case was about more than what happened to me, it’s about my community and ensuring that the lives of McKeesport Black residents are valued. Really, it’s about ensuring the city values everyone’s lives. For far too long, we’ve had to live in fear of harassment, abuse, and violence. It has to stop. Things don’t change overnight, but hopefully this settlement will push the city. Hopefully, the city and its new mayor will use this as an opportunity to rebuild the trust it has lost. Regardless, we’ll be pushing to make things better for everyone.”
The ACLU-PA will remain in close contact with plaintiffs, Take Action Advocacy Group (TAAG) and community members to monitor progress.
“This settlement is a win; but, importantly, it’s also a starting point,” said Solomon Furious Worlds, a staff attorney at the ACLU of Pennsylvania. “Our focus now shifts to ensuring these promises lead to real changes and that Black residents of McKeesport are treated with the dignity they deserve. We will remain vigilant and continue to hold McKeesport and Allegheny County police accountable.”
The 2020 attack on residents occurred after the shooting of a police officer. Police from McKeesport and other departments in Allegheny County engaged in reckless and unconstitutional tactics that terrorized Black residents of McKeesport. These tactics included pointing firearms at unarmed and nonviolent individuals, demanding entry into private residences without a search warrant, and the use of excessive force during traffic stops. White residents were reportedly treated far less harshly.
In late 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and the law firm Reed Smith LLP filed Thompkins et al. v. City of McKeesport, a lawsuit against the city, Allegheny County, and a number of police officers on behalf of three residents who were targeted by police during the 2020 manhunt.
TAAG, which has advocated for the plaintiffs since the incident occurred, stressed that the settlement represents a pursuit of justice.
"This was an extremely traumatic event that terrorized the McKeesport Black community," TAAG stated. "This was never about money or lawsuits; it has always been about justice. Police accountability issues in McKeesport predate the 2020 incident. It’s important to be clear that these reforms are community-driven, not city-driven. And we’ll continue to push for change until we see it reflected in a meaningful way."
TAAG recognizes that this is a small win, as issues still persist with police; they hope that it helps residents see the power of using their voice. TAAG continues to work with families impacted by McKeesport police and maintains a blog documenting police-related issues in the city, as well as community organizing efforts to address new police issues that occurred after the lawsuit was filed, including an incident involving police allegedly breaking the ribs of a 70-year-old Black man.
Will Sheridan, a partner at Reed Smith LLP who served as co-counsel, said, “This settlement is a win for all involved. The plaintiffs care deeply about their community and showed real courage by standing up for their constitutional rights, and McKeesport and Allegheny County should be credited for agreeing to make concrete changes.”
You can read more about Thompkins v. City of McKeesport and view the settlement at aclupa.org/McKeesport_Police.
To find more information about community efforts, you can visit TAAG's blog.
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