A lawsuit introduced by an activist in opposition to Los Angeles Metropolis Councilmember Kevin de León over a scuffle at a vacation toy giveaway in 2022 could possibly be dismissed as early as subsequent month.
Los Angeles Superior Court docket Choose Lynne Hobbs dominated throughout a listening to final week that the activist, Jason Reedy, had waited too lengthy to file the lawsuit in opposition to the councilman. The grievance was filed previous the six-month statute of limitations for suing a authorities entity, Hobbs wrote in her determination.
The choose gave Reedy 20 days to file an amended grievance to make clear that he’s suing De León as a person, not as a metropolis councilman, for the reason that statute of limitations for suing a person alleging battery is longer. If he doesn’t, the case will probably be dismissed.
Earlier this yr, Hobbs dismissed the declare in opposition to town of Los Angeles additionally due to the lapsed statute of limitations.
The lawsuit facilities on a tussle at a vacation occasion on Dec. 9, 2022, at a Lincoln Heights recreation middle between Reedy, an advocate for defunding the Los Angeles Police Division, and De León, who was handing out vacation presents. The occasion got here just some weeks after the councilman was heard on a leaked recording engaged in a dialog with different officers that included racist and derogatory feedback, triggering requires De León’s resignation or recall.
Reedy and different activists interrupted the vacation occasion, calling De León a racist and demanding that he resign. The councilman tried to exit, however Reedy adopted and stood head to head with him. That’s when the scenario escalated.
A video taken on the time exhibits De León shoving Reedy right into a desk. Reedy responded by punching De León, in keeping with a witness. Each males filed police reviews alleging they’d been attacked, however neither was criminally charged.
Reedy accused the councilman of grabbing him, pushing him and hitting him through the confrontation. He additionally alleged town didn’t have enough safety on the occasion, in keeping with courtroom data.
Reedy’s legal professional, Dermot Givens, advised Courthouse Information Service that his consumer plans to file an amended grievance to permit the lawsuit to proceed. Givens couldn’t instantly be reached Monday for additional remark.
Occasions workers author David Zahniser contributed to this report.
