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The attorney for Brittney Gilliam confirmed to 9NEWS the City of Aurora has agreed on a settlement after a viral video showed police holding children at gunpoint.
AURORA, Colo. — More than three years after police in this city were seen on video holding members of a Black family at gunpoint, the city and a mother have agreed to a $1.9 million settlement.
Attorney David Lane, who represents Brittney Gilliam, confirmed the settlement amount to 9NEWS on Monday.
In August of 2020, a viral video showed police holding Gilliam and four children at gunpoint after they mistook her vehicle for being stolen. The video captured children screaming and crying as police forced them to get on the ground with hands on their heads.
The video prompted outrage in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and during a time when protests erupted across the country over police brutality and race relations.
Then-Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson apologized to Gilliam for the officer’s reaction and announced changes in policy on how police respond to reports of stolen vehicles.
Through Lane, Gilliam filed the lawsuit against the City of Aurora and several officers alleging excessive force.
The lawsuit was the first of its kind filed in Colorado under a new police accountability law that allows excessive force claims to move forward in state court.
9NEWS has reached out to the City of Aurora and the city’s police department for comment regarding the settlement.
RELATED: Family held at gunpoint in Aurora sues, lawsuit is first to use new police accountability bill
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