Judge dismisses key claim in Eagles fan's excessive force lawsuit against Philadelphia
A federal judge has dismissed part of a lawsuit filed by Daniel Booth, who was injured during celebrations for the Philadelphia Eagles' 2023 NFC Championship win. The team had secured a place in the Super Bowl that year but later lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. Booth claims he was knocked to the ground by police and struck with a nightstick while celebrating in January 2023.
Booth's lawsuit accused the city of Philadelphia of failing to train officers properly in crowd control. He also included a Monell claim, arguing that the city's policies allowed excessive force against large crowds. However, federal judge Juan Sanchez dismissed this part of the case, stating Booth had not shown a direct link between officer Nicholas Coco's actions and any training failures.
Sanchez did allow Booth to amend his claim. The judge noted that other incidents cited by Booth's lawyers either involved unrelated circumstances or had already resulted in verdicts, settlements, or mistrials. Booth alleges he was pushed from behind by law enforcement and struck with a nightstick by Coco. He was then placed in a police van and later sought medical treatment for a knee injury, incurring a $600 bill. His lawsuit remains ongoing as part of a broader case against the city.
The dismissal of the Monell claim narrows Booth's case, but he still has the option to refile with stronger evidence. His allegations of excessive force and the $600 medical expense for his knee injury will continue to be examined in court. The outcome could affect how future crowd control incidents in Philadelphia are handled.
