Video shows protests in Atlanta Cop City with fire and fireworks

Explosive video shows a riot breaking out in Atlanta after a protest over fatal police shooting at the future Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, nicknamed “Cop City.”

On Wednesday, police fatally shot activist Manuel Esteban Paez Teran. The 26-year-old protested at the future site of a proposed public safety training center to be built in a forest in southeast Atlanta.

Teran – who called himself “Tortuguita” – reportedly refused to comply with law enforcement Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Teran allegedly shot and killed a Georgia State Patrol Trooper at Intrenchment Creek Park. Other policemen returned fire, hitting Teran and killing him.

Protests against the police shooting were organized in downtown Atlanta at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Demonstrators held up signs to read: “They can’t kill us all” and “Trees give life, the police take it.” There were also chants like “Stop Cop City” and “If they build it, we’ll burn it”.

However, the event, which had about 300 participants, turned violent within an hour.

Rioters set off fireworks and threw large rocks at the Atlanta Police Foundation building in downtown Atlanta. Two police cruisers were set on fire and bricks were thrown at other APD vehicles. Windows of local businesses were smashed during the riots surrounding the Cop City controversy.

Several rioters were arrested.

The Atlanta Police Department issued a statement regarding the violence:

The Atlanta Police Department is aware of the ongoing events and we will continue to monitor and respond accordingly. We stand ready to respond to demonstrations to ensure the safety of those in our communities and those exercising their first amendment rights, or to take action against illegal activity should the need arise.

The Office of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a expression:

The Governor remains well informed of the situation through regular updates from state law enforcement and is actively monitoring the situation. The State Patrol is well equipped to respond to any threats to public safety and works closely with other state agencies and the local police force. While the state continues to respect peaceful protest, acts of violence against people or property will NOT be tolerated. Those who commit such illegal acts will be arrested and prosecuted.

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