Illinois Police Draw Weapons On Black Man, Alleging He Fits Profile Of An Armed White Suspect

Evanston police in Illinois responded to a 911 report of a white man with a firearm, leading to the detention of Alexander Gary, a Black man, at gunpoint for holding a phone. The city council approved a $50,000 settlement for Gary, who maintained he did not resemble the alleged suspect despite being challenged by five officers. The incident occurred on March 31, 2021, when police confronted Gary near South Boulevard Beach. Officer Kubiak pointed his firearm at him, demanding contradictory actions like “put your hands up” and “get on the ground,” even though Gary's hands were empty. The situation escalated with officers brandishing their weapons, despite no credible evidence of wrongdoing. The lawsuit argues that the officers did not possess reasonable suspicion during the searches, violating Gary’s Fourth and 14th Amendment rights. Judge Steven C. Seeger addressed the inconsistencies in the officers' actions and denied qualified immunity regarding the pocket searches, noting that others fitting the suspect's description were not similarly threatened. (Photo: Body camera)