Atlanta Police Use Tear Gas on 'Stop Cop City' Protesters

Ongoing Protests Against $90 Million Law Enforcement Training Facility Result in One Death and Dozens of Legal Charges

Atlanta police used tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse hundreds of protesters opposing the construction of a law enforcement training facility, known as 'Cop City'.
The $90 million facility, approved by the Atlanta City Council in 2021, is intended to serve as a training center and help increase police recruitment, but has faced strong objections from environmental and anti-policing activists.
Protests have been ongoing for over two years, with activists arguing the facility will lead to increased police militarization and exacerbate environmental damage in the majority-Black area.
The protests have resulted in one death so far: a 26-year-old protester, Manuel 'Tortuguita' Terán, was shot and killed by state troopers in January. An independent autopsy found that their hands were raised when they were shot.
Dozens of protesters are facing domestic terrorism and RICO charges, prosecutions that have raised alarms among free speech and civil rights advocates.