Atlanta Appeals Court Ruling on 'Stop Cop City' Petition

A decision in favor of the city could invalidate over 100,000 signatures and potentially halt the referendum against the proposed $90 million police and fire training center.

• Atlanta's attorneys have asked a federal appeals court to overturn a lower court's ruling that allowed nonresidents to collect signatures for the 'Stop Cop City' petition, which seeks to block the construction of a $90 million police and fire training center.
• The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals could potentially invalidate all 100,000-plus signatures collected if it rules that none were submitted by the original 60-day deadline of Aug. 21.
• An analysis by multiple news organizations found that excluding signatures collected after Aug. 21 or by non-Atlanta voters could disqualify 20% of potentially eligible entries, likely defeating the effort.
• Opponents of the training center argue that it will exacerbate police militarization and harm the environment, while supporters, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, believe it is necessary for better officer training and to replace outdated facilities.
• Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum has announced a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of arsonists who have targeted police vehicles and construction sites in a campaign against the training center.

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