Federal Judge Orders McKinney to Pay $60K After SWAT Raid Destroys Home

In a landmark ruling, a federal judge has ordered the City of McKinney, Texas, to compensate Vicki Baker nearly $60,000 for damage to her home caused during a 2020 SWAT standoff targeting a fugitive barricaded inside her property. Despite having no connection to the fugitive, Baker's home suffered extensive destruction, including shattered windows, structural damage, and toxic residue from tear gas, which also led to the euthanization of her dog. After the city initially refused to pay citing sovereign immunity and Baker's insurance rejecting claims for government-caused damage, she engaged in a five-year legal battle with support from the Institute for Justice. The case reached multiple courts, including an appellate reversal and a declined U.S. Supreme Court review, before a federal judge reaffirmed her right to compensation under the Texas Constitution. Baker's legal team argues this sets a vital precedent that governments must compensate property owners for damage caused during law enforcement operations, even if done for legitimate reasons. McKinney officials are considering appealing the ruling, while Baker hopes her victory will prevent similar injustices for others in the future.