Overview
- The federal class action, filed last week in the Western District of Wisconsin, alleges deputies and private security used tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and other hazards against protesters.
- The suit names Ridglan Farms Inc., owner James A. Burns, Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, and County Executive Melissa Agard, with plaintiffs Joanna Baird and Linda Gregersen represented by attorney Susan Chana Lask.
- During the April 18 attempt to enter the Blue Mounds facility, the complaint says officers gave no warnings before using force, and it details injuries such as tear gas sprayed into Baird’s face that caused severe burns and temporary blindness.
- County officials say activists tried to violently breach the site, blocked responders, and brought tools like fence cutters and chainsaws, and they report 29 arrests as prosecutors later filed burglary charges against at least four people, including organizer Wayne Hsiung.
- The lawsuit also cites a manure-filled trench that Dane County regulators cited last week for lacking a permit, and it seeks class status for people exposed to the trench or to chemical agents, as Ridglan disputes the claims and calls the suit without merit.