Brocato v. Hamm

On February 6, 2026, Anthony Brocato filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Officer Michael Hamm in the United States. The case arose from a traffic stop in Miami, Florida, during which Brocato alleged that Hamm used excessive force, causing severe injuries including a fractured orbital bone. Brocato claimed he was compliant and unarmed when Hamm violently pulled him from the vehicle and struck him. The incident was partially captured on body-worn camera footage, which showed a confrontation but had a brief gap during the most critical moments. Hamm asserted his actions were justified, citing Brocato's refusal to exit the vehicle and a perceived threat. The case quickly drew national attention amid ongoing debates over policing practices.

As of the latest available records in mid-2026, the case remains in pre-trial litigation. The district court denied Officer Hamm's motion to dismiss based on qualified immunity, ruling that the alleged facts, if true, violated clearly established law. Interlocutory appeal on the immunity ruling is pending.

The central dispute focused on whether Officer Hamm's use of force was objectively reasonable under the Fourth Amendment, and whether the gap in body-worn camera footage constituted spoliation of evidence. A secondary dispute involved whether Hamm was entitled to qualified immunity, shielding him from liability unless his conduct violated a clearly established constitutional right.

The case intensified public discourse on police accountability and the integrity of body-worn camera systems. Civil rights groups organized protests in Miami, demanding stricter evidentiary consequences for missing footage. The litigation prompted local legislative proposals to mandate continuous recording policies for law enforcement, reflecting broader national tensions between law enforcement agencies and communities over transparency and use of force.