![Kasim-reedx390_2](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/kasim-reedx390-2.jpg?id=32719355&width=1200&height=876)
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed apologized Wednesday for the mistreatment of
Atlanta Eagle bar patrons last year when police conducted a violent raid of the
establishment.
"I believe that what occurred that evening should not have happened and should not happen again," Reed said in a press conference, according to the GA Voice. Reed was joined by police chief George Turner and two of the department's LGBT liaison officers. "As mayor of the city of Atlanta, I feel pain for anyone mistreated in our city and apologize to each plaintiff in the Calhoun case."
At least nine undercover Atlanta police officers raided the bar September 10, 2009, without a warrant, posing as customers to conduct a criminal investigation. At 11 that night, 12 SWAT-like officers entered the bar without a warrant to conduct a full raid. The undercover officers initiated the raid because they saw some patrons dancing partially clothed, according to the plaintiffs in the case, Calhoun v. Pennington. The action quickly turned violent, and officers made derogatory remarks toward customers, who included several elderly men.
None of the bar patrons were charged with breaking any laws, but eight Eagle employees were charged with allowing "unlicensed adult entertainment" -- dancing in underwear -- without a permit.
The city settled with the plaintiffs, paying out a cumulative $1.025 million. The police department also revised its policies on raid and investigation protocol.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
21+ steamy photos of Scotland’s finest gay men in Elska Glasgow
February 01 2024 10:07 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Kamala Harris rides wave of Democratic energy at kickoff event in Wisconsin
July 23 2024 3:36 PM
'Devastated:' A six-week abortion ban will go into effect in Iowa next week
July 23 2024 2:28 PM
Four hours, 44,000 Black women, and one Zoom call
July 23 2024 2:17 PM
Record 1.2 million people show out for Cologne’s Pride parade
July 23 2024 10:51 AM
Here's how far-right activist Leonard Leo helped fund Bud Light boycott
July 23 2024 10:27 AM
Elon Musk’s comments about his trans daughter prove why she doesn’t speak to him
July 23 2024 9:16 AM
Nancy Pelosi endorses Kamala Harris for president
July 22 2024 4:07 PM
Charli XCX declares Kamala Harris IS brat & our next President's campaign agrees
July 22 2024 3:08 PM