Three Park Police officers involved in the shooting of Bijan Ghaisar are suing the Interior Department for defamation. The officers, Alejandro Amaya and Lucas Vinyard, are seeking $10 million each in damages for alleged harm to their reputations. The lawsuit accuses the department of making false and defamatory statements about the officers’ actions during the fatal Fairfax County shooting in 2017.
The shooting of Ghaisar occurred after he was involved in a minor traffic accident and fled the scene. The officers pursued him and eventually shot him multiple times as he sat in his car. Ghaisar later died in the hospital as a result of his injuries, sparking outrage and protests over the use of excessive force by law enforcement.
The officers claim that the Interior Department, which oversees the Park Police, made false statements to the media and Congress regarding the shooting. They allege that these statements damaged their reputations and caused them emotional distress. The lawsuit also accuses the department of failing to provide support and defense for the officers in the aftermath of the shooting.
The officers’ attorney argues that the lawsuit is necessary to hold the department accountable for its actions and to seek justice for the officers. The Interior Department has not commented on the lawsuit.
The shooting of Bijan Ghaisar has been a source of controversy and debate since it occurred, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the investigation of the incident. The lawsuit filed by the officers adds another layer to the ongoing legal battle surrounding the case.
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