A federal civil rights complaint alleges that law enforcement officers used excessive force against a detainee and failed to prevent further harm, raising concerns about police conduct and oversight. The complaint was filed by Hani Barghouti in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on April 3, 2026, naming Corporal Austin Brand, several deputies, and the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office as defendants.
According to the filing, Barghouti asserts that on February 26, 2025, he was forcibly removed from a holding cell by Corporal Austin Brand without provocation. The complaint states: “Corporal Austin Brand, without provocation, forcibly removed Plaintiff from a holding cell, contradicting Brand’s claim that Plaintiff pushed the door.” Barghouti further alleges that after questioning the action, Brand seized his collar and attempted to throw him down before applying a chokehold. The document continues: “Brand seized Plaintiff’s collar, attempted to throw Plaintiff down, applied a chokehold, and struck Plaintiff’s head and face repeatedly while restrained.” Despite other officers being present during the incident, Barghouti claims that no intervention occurred.
The lawsuit details that Brand threatened to break Barghouti’s arm while another officer applied pressure to prevent any defense or resistance. The complaint describes this as an escalation of what had been a non-threatening situation: “This escalated a non-threatening situation with verbal threats, excessive force, and malicious harm,” resulting in physical injury to Barghouti as well as emotional distress and financial hardship for both him and his family.
Barghouti brings multiple causes of action under federal law. Count I alleges use of unreasonable force in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Count II claims failure by other deputies to intervene in known constitutional violations. Count III accuses the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office of negligent training and supervision of its deputies. In Count IV—citing Monell liability—the plaintiff argues that unconstitutional acts resulted from departmental policies or customs marked by deliberate indifference regarding training or discipline standards. Additionally, Count VI asserts malicious conduct by Corporal Austin Brand and Deputy Michael Brown: “Plaintiff contends that Corporal Austin Brand and Deputy Michael Brown acted with deliberate malice… employing unjustified force… resulting in significant harm.”
The complaint seeks compensatory damages for physical injuries sustained during the incident as well as emotional distress experienced by both Barghouti and his family members—including specific mention of trauma affecting his young child. Punitive damages are also requested for what is described as deliberate malice on behalf of certain deputies: “Plaintiff seeks compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial… including the emotional impact on Plaintiff’s young child.” Medical expenses and compensation for financial hardship are included among the relief sought.
Hani Barghouti is representing himself (pro se) in this matter. No attorneys or judges are listed by name in the filing provided. The case is identified as Civil Action No.: 4:26-CV-080.
Source: 426cv80_Hani_Barghouti_v_CPL_Austin_Brand_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
