Gaddis v. Benoit et al

On June 2, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Kevin Gaddis filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Officer Joseph Benoit and the City of New Orleans. The complaint alleges that during a traffic stop on that same date, Officer Benoit employed excessive force by physically assaulting Gaddis without provocation, resulting in multiple injuries, including a fractured rib and contusions. The lawsuit asserts claims under Section 1983 for violations of the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition against unreasonable seizures, as well as state law battery. Gaddis seeks compensatory and punitive damages, arguing the officer’s actions were unwarranted and that the city failed to properly train and supervise its officers. The case quickly drew attention due to bystander video footage that surfaced online.

As of 2025, the case remains in pretrial proceedings. A motion for summary judgment on qualified immunity grounds filed by the defense is pending before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. No trial date has been set.

Whether Officer Joseph Benoit’s use of force during the traffic stop was objectively unreasonable and constituted excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment; whether Benoit is entitled to qualified immunity; and whether the City of New Orleans can be held liable under Monell for a failure to train or supervise its police officers.

The case intensified local and national scrutiny of the New Orleans Police Department, which has been operating under a federal consent decree since 2013. The widely circulated video of the stop reignited demands for police reform and stricter limits on qualified immunity, while community organizations held rallies calling for Officer Benoit’s termination and criminal prosecution.