A King County jury in Seattle reached a significant verdict Thursday, awarding $6 million to the family of Summer Taylor, a Black Lives Matter protester who was fatally struck by a car on a closed section of Interstate 5 in July 2020. The decision marks a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn attention to protest safety and state responsibility during civil demonstrations.
Summer Taylor, 24, was killed when a vehicle driven by Dawit Kelete, 30, entered the wrong way onto the interstate during a protest sparked by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Another protester was critically injured in the incident.
The jury’s decision was twofold: while holding Kelete financially responsible for Taylor’s death, it simultaneously absolved the state of Washington of negligence claims brought by Taylor’s family. This verdict comes after a complex trial that weighed questions of public safety, protest rights, and government accountability.
The $6 million award is divided among Taylor’s family members, with substantial sums allocated to their parents and brother. The lawsuit, filed by Taylor’s family, had alleged that state officials failed to take adequate precautions to protect protesters on the interstate bridge. Karen Koehler, the attorney representing Taylor’s family, argued during closing statements that the state’s negligence was evident in its failure to properly secure the area, citing the absence of patrol cars, spike strips, flashing lights, or barricades.
However, the state’s defense, led by Steve Puz, senior counsel for the Washington Attorney General’s Office, contended that both Taylor and Kelete bore responsibility for the tragedy. Puz emphasized that Taylor’s presence on the freeway was illegal and that the accident could have been avoided if both parties had followed the law.
The incident occurred during a period of nightly protests following George Floyd’s death, with the Washington State Patrol closing sections of I-5 to accommodate demonstrators. Despite these closures, Kelete managed to access the freeway via an exit ramp, highlighting what the plaintiffs saw as a critical security lapse.
Kelete was sentenced in September 2023 to 6.5 years in prison after being convicted of vehicular homicide and other charges related to the incident. His sentencing marked a partial closure to the criminal aspect of the case, while the civil trial sought to address broader questions of responsibility and compensation.
Summer Taylor, remembered as a dedicated advocate for racial and LGBTQ+ justice, worked as a veterinary assistant with aspirations of attending veterinary school at Washington State University. Their death sent shockwaves through Seattle’s activist community and reignited debates about protest safety and policing practices during demonstrations.
The jury’s decision not to find the state negligent may have significant implications for future protests and state policies regarding road closures during civil demonstrations. It underscores the complex legal and ethical considerations surrounding public safety, freedom of assembly, and government responsibility in times of civil unrest.
