District Judge Frimpong held that officers were potentially liable if they indeed did what Alex Medrano said they did, so denied their motion for qualified immunity. On appeal, Judges Callahan and Bumatay "conclude[] that it was objectively reasonable for the Officers to aim their guns at Medrano’s head from near point-blank range, as a matter of constitutional law, such that no rational jury could conclude otherwise." (Mr. Medrano had a prior bench warrant for fleeing a traffic stop, and the officers did not know that warrant had been withdrawn.) Judge Paez partially dissents, contending that the majority's "decision is both unnecessary and flawed" since he believes the officer's conduct, viewed in the light most favorable to Mr. Medrano, would qualify as excessive, but that this right was not clearly established, so qualified immunity exists.
Who do you agree with? Judge Frimpong? Judge Callahan? Judge Paez?
Three different perspectives, to be sure, on when the police are permitted to point loaded guns at your head.
