Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold qualified immunity protections for law enforcement officers, emphasizing the high-stakes decisions officers must make to protect public safety. In an amicus brief, Bird highlighted the 2016 case of Sergeant Roberto Felix, a 20-year veteran who fatally shot Ashtian Barnes during a traffic stop. Barnes drove off while Felix was caught in the car’s frame. The officer acted to avoid being run over. A federal court ruled Felix’s actions legally justified, but the case is now before the Supreme Court, potentially threatening officer protections. Bird says, “Our law enforcement heroes put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. And when they are faced with dangerous, unpredictable situations, they have to make split-second decisions in order to make it home to their families that night. Law enforcement shouldn’t have to worry about getting sued for doing their job. I am urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold qualified immunity protections for law enforcement heroes.” AG Bird joined 14 states in supporting a Texas-led amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold the lower court’s ruling and protect officers facing dangerous, unpredictable situations. A link to the full amicus brief is included with this story on our website.
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