Fort Worth City Council Approves $400,000 Settlement To Chad Gibson Injured In Rainbow Lounge Raid

The Star-Telegram reports that the Fort Worth City Council Tuesday approved without debate a $400,000 settlement to Chad Gibson, the man who suffered a head injury during a botched raid of the Rainbow Lounge gay bar in the early hours of June 28th, 2009. The vote effectively settles Gibson's claim for damages against the city. He said excessive force was used against him during his arrest at the south Fort Worth bar. City staff had recommended the settlement to avoid time-consuming and costly litigation, according to a memo that read in part "Approval of this settlement should not be construed as an admission of liability by the city of Fort Worth, any liability in this matter being, in fact, expressly denied." The inspection by the Fort Worth police and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents sparked protests and allegations of police brutality, although internal investigations by both police and the commission concluded that no excessive force was used. An agent had alleged that Gibson fell and hit his head while handcuffed and vomiting outside the club. The TABC is also considering a settlement with Gibson, a spokesperson said last week.