Abner Louima - Aftermath

Aftermath

Louima's subsequent civil suit represented by attorney Sanford Rubenstein against the City of New York resulting in a settlement of $8.75 million on July 30, 2001, the largest police brutality settlement in New York City history. After legal fees, Louima collected approximately $5.8 million.

In February 2003, Abner Louima visited his family still living in Haiti. There he discussed the setting up of the Abner Louima Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the hopes to raise money to build a community center and much-needed hospital in Haiti. Louima indicated he had plans to use his own money and donations to open community centers in Haiti, New York and Florida for Haitians and others seeking legal, financial or other aid. Louima also paid the school tuition for 14 poor children in Thomassin, a small community where he grew up. During his visit to Haiti, he met with the President of Haiti, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a former priest who Louima knew from his school days. In a rare interview; Louima said he's convinced he can make a difference in his impoverished homeland: "Maybe God saved my life for a reason, I believe in doing the right thing."

Louima currently resides in Miami Lakes, Florida, owning homes in suburban Miami and Port-au-Prince, with several investment properties in Florida.

Louima has since participated in anti-police brutality protests with Al Sharpton, notably over the shooting death of Sean Bell in 2006, and on August 9, 2007, exactly 10 years after his attack. On the latter date, Louima was honored in New York City by the National Action Network, at the House of Justice, for his courage and perseverance in seeking justice, in addition to his dedication to helping others who have suffered from police brutality.