The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday ruled unanimously that a Georgia family whose home was mistakenly raided by an FBI SWAT team in 2017 can continue their lawsuit for damages, sending the case back to a lower court for further review.
Background: Wrong House, Flash-Bang Grenade
In a terrifying incident, Curtrina Martin, her partner, and her then-7-year-old son were jolted awake in the middle of the night when FBI agents smashed down their front door, set off a flash-bang grenade, and stormed their suburban Atlanta home. Agents believed they were targeting a gang member but quickly realized they had raided the wrong house.
Martin, found hiding in a closet, was dragged out and held at gunpoint during the chaotic raid.
Key Legal Issue: Can the Government Be Sued?
Although the federal government is generally immune from lawsuits, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) includes exceptions for wrongful or negligent actions by government employees — including federal law enforcement.
Lower courts, including the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, had ruled that the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution shielded federal agents from liability in cases where actions could be “reasonably characterized” as part of a federal policy.
The Supreme Court rejected that view.
Supreme Court’s Decision
Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for a unanimous court, said that the Supremacy Clause cannot be used to automatically block tort claims against the federal government. The court sent the case back to the 11th Circuit for reconsideration.
“You might look at the address of the house before you knock down the door,” Gorsuch said during oral arguments, sharply questioning the FBI’s failure to confirm basic details.
Though the decision was technical in nature, it effectively reopens the door for Martin’s family to hold the government accountable under the FTCA.
What’s Next
While the Supreme Court limited the interpretation of the FTCA’s law enforcement exception — which could narrow the scope of potential claims — it removed the Supremacy Clause barrier that had entirely blocked the Martin family’s suit.
The case now heads back to the 11th Circuit for further proceedings.
Broader Implications
This case touches on a growing national concern over botched raids and excessive force in law enforcement. The FTCA was specifically strengthened in 1974 after similar mistaken raids in Collinsville, Illinois, where innocent citizens were terrorized in their homes.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in a concurring opinion, emphasized that Congress passed the law to ensure accountability in such situations and that courts should not ignore the clear intent to protect victims of law enforcement overreach.
Bottom Line
The ruling is a partial win for the Martin family and sets a precedent that the federal government cannot rely on vague federal authority to avoid accountability when innocent people are harmed by law enforcement mistakes.
