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The death of far-left activist Michael Reinoehl in September 2020 continues to be a subject of controversy and legal action. Reinoehl was shot and killed by law enforcement officers, and then-president Donald Trump celebrated his death as “retribution.” The lawsuit filed by Reinoehl’s estate alleges that he was killed in a “sudden and unprovoked attack” and that law enforcement officers did not give him an opportunity to surrender or provide any warning that they were police.
At the time of his death, Reinoehl had been charged with second-degree murder for shooting and killing a man named Aaron Danielson during a street confrontation. Reinoehl claimed self-defense, but his case was never adjudicated as he was killed by law enforcement before it could proceed.
The lawsuit names the U.S. government, Pierce County Washington, and four members of law enforcement from Washington state as defendants. It argues that there was no plan to arrest Reinoehl without injury and that officers were briefed on inaccurate information about him.
The lawsuit also claims that the officers initiated the confrontation with aggressive driving and shooting without identifying themselves or providing instructions. Reinoehl was shot more than 40 times and ultimately hit five times. The suit alleges that officers learned of his weapon after the killing and coordinated their accounts before speaking to investigators.
Reinoehl’s death took place during a time of heightened political tension, with the Trump administration portraying cities like Portland as lawless and violent. Trump celebrated Reinoehl’s death as retribution for his alleged crimes.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Reinoehl’s pain and suffering, compensation for the violation of his civil rights, and punitive damages.
Overall, the lawsuit raises important questions about the use of force by law enforcement and the circumstances surrounding Reinoehl’s death..
