Photo: CBS 12
The mother of a woman killed during a Martin Luther King Day event has filed suit against several entities.
29-year-old Nikkitia Bryant was shot to death while shielding her young daughter from gunfire that erupted during the 2023 MLK Family Fun Day Festival at Ilous Ellis Park in Fort Pierce.
Ten defendants are named in the lawsuit, including the event organizers, the city of Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County Commissioners and the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.
The suit claims Bryant's death was preventable and that her being killed was due to the "defendants" negligence in failing to provide adequate security and comply with the mandatory terms of the Facilities Use Agreement.
The event was marketed as a "safe, family-friendly celebration."
The suit seeks a trial by jury and requests damages in excess of $50,000 as well as special damages in the amount of at least $715,000.