Italian Student Sues Miami Police Over Violent 2024 Arrest

Matteo Falcinelli alleges excessive force and police brutality during and after his detention outside a Miami nightclub.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Matteo Falcinelli, an Italian student attending a master's program at Florida International University, is suing the North Miami Beach Police Department over a violent arrest in February 2024. Falcinelli alleges that off-duty officers working security at a nightclub assaulted him and wrongfully detained him, and that once in custody, other officers used excessive force including a controversial "hog-tie" restraint technique. The lawsuits, filed on the two-year anniversary of the incident, accuse the police department of police brutality, off-duty misconduct, and systemic failures in accountability.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, particularly against young adults and minorities, as well as the need for stronger accountability measures within police departments. Miami has faced previous controversies over police brutality, and this lawsuit could put further scrutiny on the department's practices.

The details

According to the lawsuits, on February 25, 2024, Falcinelli was outside a North Miami Beach nightclub when off-duty officers working security there turned a minor dispute over his personal property into a violent confrontation. The officers allegedly assaulted Falcinelli and wrongfully detained him. Once in custody at the police station, other officers are accused of subjecting Falcinelli to extreme force, including restraining him in a "hog-tie" position while he was already handcuffed - a technique that has been widely criticized for the risk of serious injury and positional asphyxia.

  • On February 25, 2024, the alleged incident occurred outside a North Miami Beach nightclub.
  • On February 20, 2026, the lawsuits were filed in Miami-Dade County Court and federal court on the two-year anniversary of the incident.

The players

Matteo Falcinelli

An Italian student attending a master's program in Tourism Management at Florida International University who was allegedly subjected to police brutality in 2024.

North Miami Beach Police Department

The police department that Falcinelli is suing over the alleged excessive use of force and misconduct by its officers.

The X-Law Group P.C.

The law firm representing Falcinelli in the lawsuits against the North Miami Beach Police Department.

David Gammill

An attorney at Gammill Law Accident & Injury Lawyers who is co-counsel on the lawsuits with The X-Law Group P.C.

Christopher Lomax

An attorney at Lomax Legal PLLC who is co-counsel on the lawsuits with The X-Law Group P.C.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold law enforcement accountable when they abuse their power and violate the civil rights of citizens, especially vulnerable populations like international students.”

— David Gammill, Attorney, Gammill Law Accident & Injury Lawyers

What’s next

The courts will now consider the merits of Falcinelli's lawsuits against the North Miami Beach Police Department. If successful, the case could lead to policy changes and increased oversight within the department.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing need for police reform and stronger accountability measures to prevent excessive use of force, particularly against minority and vulnerable populations. The outcome could have significant implications for how police departments across the country approach issues of brutality and misconduct.