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A group of law enforcement officers executed a search warrant in Charlotte, NC at a suspected meth trafficker's home. Chaos ensues. One cop shoots another at least ten times, severely injuring him. Shot cop sues shooting cop for excessive force and several tort claims. As they litigate, the district court seals bodycam footage, refuses local TV station access. Fourth Circuit: Unseal it. The First Amendment protects the right of access to court records, which isn't outweighed here by the shooting officer's right to a fair trial.
The case is Gray Media Grp. Inc. v. Loveridge, No. 24-01945 (4th Cir. Sept. 19, 2025).
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