COVINGTON – A man who suffered injuries during the Roebling Bridge protest last year sued the Covington Police Department and two officers this week. 

Brandon Hill sued officer Zachary Stayton, an unidentified officer and the department, according to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Hill alleges a Monell violation, accusing the defendants of excessive force and violating his civil rights.  

Hill was among 15 people arrested at the protest on July 17, 2025, which began at The Banks in Cincinnati and crossed the Roebling Bridge into Covington. Two journalists were among those charged. More than 100 people were protesting the detainment of Imam Ayman Soliman, a former chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, who had his visa and asylum revoked before being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

On November 4, 2025, Stayton was put on unpaid administrative leave after the department investigated the protest and found he did not follow proper procedure. Videos showed Stayton punching Hill in the head while Hill lay on the ground. Covington police said at the time they believed Hill had a gun. Stayton was required to complete remedial training before returning to duty. Queer Kentucky covered the community response to the suspension at the time.

“Hill’s injuries include, but are not limited to, numerous contusions, swelling, and an injury to his arm that significantly limited his mobility in the weeks following the assault,” the complaint says. “These injuries resulted in Hill both missing work (approximately six weeks) and being assigned to “light duty” by his employer upon his return.”

In a statement to Queer Kentucky, the city of Covington said Hill was still facing charges.

“The City of Covington is aware of the federal lawsuit recently filed by one of the individuals facing criminal charges related to the July 2025 incident on the Roebling Suspension Bridge,” the statement said. “As a matter of policy, the city does not typically comment on active litigation. However, it is important to note that the individual who filed the lawsuit is currently being prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office after a Kenton County Judge reviewed the evidence presented in the case and determined there was probable cause for the felony charges, allowing the matter to move forward through the criminal justice system. 

“The events that occurred on the Roebling Bridge in July 2025 posed serious public safety concerns. The city remains committed to ensuring Covington is a safe place for all residents and visitors. 

“Because both the criminal case and the civil litigation remain pending, the city has no further comment at this time.”