Black US Pastor Arrested for Watering His Neighbour's Flowers While on Vacation to Sue Police

A federal appeals court has ruled that three police officers who arrested Michael Jennings, a black pastor in Childersburg, Alabama, can be sued.

This decision reverses a previous dismissal by a lower court and highlights critical issues of racial profiling and misuse of power within law enforcement.

The incident occurred in May 2022 when Jennings was watering his neighbor's garden while they were on vacation. A white neighbor reported him to the police, leading to his arrest.

The officers claimed Jennings was apprehended because he refused to provide a physical ID. However, body camera footage contradicted this justification, showing Jennings repeatedly identifying himself as "Pastor Jennings" and explaining that he lived across the street.

The 11th U.S. Court of Appeals found that the officers lacked probable cause for the arrest and are not shielded by qualified immunity.

Qualified immunity typically protects officers from civil liability unless their actions violate clearly established laws or constitutional rights.