State trooper acquitted of violating civil rights of Black motorist despite damning video

Federal jury acquitted white Louisiana state trooper of violating civil rights of Black motorist despite body camera footage showing trooper pummeling motorist 18 times with flashlight
Case highlights challenges in convicting law enforcement officials accused of excessive force despite strong video evidence
Motorist suffered broken jaw, ribs, and gash to head from trooper's blows
Trooper's defense argued the repeated strikes were "pain compliance" tactics
Acquittal comes amid heightened scrutiny of police violence against Black Americans