Abtan v. Blackwater
| Industry | Private security |
|---|---|
| Fate | Renamed |
| Successor | Academi |
Abtan v. Blackwater, 611 F. Supp. 2d 1 (D.D.C. 2009), was a legal action initiated by victims and relatives impacted by the September 16, 2007 Blackwater Baghdad shootings against Blackwater Worldwide, a private security firm now operating under the name Academi. This lawsuit was merged with Estate of Albazzaz, et al. v. Blackwater Lodge and Training Center, Inc. et al., and was ultimately resolved through a confidential settlement outside of court.
Background
On September 16, the Blackwater Baghdad shootings involved an unprovoked assault on Iraqi civilians carried out by armed personnel from Blackwater, including two helicopters. Accounts differ regarding the incident's start; some suggest the shooting commenced after a small vehicle failed to stop for an Iraqi police officer, prompting Blackwater guards to open fire, possibly suspecting a suicide bomber. Blackwater maintained that their personnel, assigned to protect a US State Department convoy, were initially fired upon and responded with precise small arms fire.
Case
The lawsuit, representing Iraqi plaintiffs and filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights alongside other legal advocates, accused Blackwater of breaching U.S. and international law, including allegations of war crimes and violations under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. The complaint charged Blackwater with cultivating an environment of impunity, prioritizing profit over civilian safety, and deploying heavily armed "shooters" in Baghdad despite awareness that some operatives used steroids or psychoactive drugs. Allegations encompassed assault, battery, wrongful death, emotional distress, as well as negligent hiring, training, and supervision practices. Plaintiffs further claimed intentional destruction of evidence through repainting vehicles linked to the Nisoor Square massacre and shredding documents relevant to potential legal liability.
Timeline
October 11, 2007: The lawsuit was initiated in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
November 27, 2007: An amended complaint incorporated families of two additional victims and accused Blackwater of deploying heavily armed "shooters" in Baghdad while aware that up to one-quarter were chemically impaired without conducting drug testing or preventing substance use. It also alleged disregard for Tactical Operations Center ("TOC") orders instructing personnel to remain with State Department staff until further notice.
March 28, 2008: A second amended complaint added another victim's family along with nine injured survivors. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss based on improper venue; plaintiffs opposed this motion. Judge Walton ordered consolidation of this case with Estate of Albazzaz, et al. v. Blackwater Lodge and Training Center, Inc. for purposes of pre-trial discovery and briefing.
April 28, 2008: Plaintiffs sought permission to submit a third amended complaint to include claims related to spoliation.
May 7, 2008: Defendants opposed the proposed third amendment; plaintiffs responded on May 19.
April 27, 2009: Judge Walton placed a hold on defendants' motion to dismiss or transfer venue pending limited venue discovery.
July 17, 2009: The Abtan case was officially consolidated with Albazzaz.
January 6, 2010: The parties reached a confidential settlement resolving the consolidated lawsuits.