Latest news with #ManuelEstebanPaezTerán
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
2 advocacy groups sue feds over Atlanta training center records
Two civil liberties groups have teamed up in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI over records related to the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. Defending Rights & Dissent and Project South said in their lawsuit that the government failed to provide records on surveillance and investigations of protesters in connection with the site. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The organizations said they have sought these records since February 2023. 'More than two years later, DHS has failed to respond entirely, while the FBI has repeatedly stonewalled and slow-walked the release of these documents in the public interest,' the lawsuit stated. The groups said that people protesting the facility 'have been branded as terrorists or extremists for opposing 'Cop City.' All too often we know federal agencies like the FBI or DHS play a role in facilitating these crackdowns.' The DHS and FBI have 60 days to respond to the Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed on May 9, the lawsuit said. RELATED STORIES: Defense attorneys say they were blindsided by new evidence in 'Stop Cop City' RICO case Defendants in Georgia 'Cop City' case say they are in limbo as trial delays continue Leaders behind building Atlanta Public Safety Training Center 'surprised' by community pushback Sixty-one defendants were indicted on state racketeering charges in 2023 in connection with the protests and the violence surrounding them. Fulton County Judge Kevin Farmer has severed the cases and will try them five at a time, with trials expected to start as soon as this month. Protests escalated at the site after the 2023 shooting death of Manuel Esteban Paez Terán, known as Tortuguita. Paez Terán was camping near the site when authorities launched a clearing operation. Officials said they killed the 26-year-old after the activist shot and wounded a trooper from inside a tent. A family-commissioned autopsy concluded they were killed with their hands in the air, but a prosecutor found the officers' use of force was 'objectively reasonable.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Flag-raising ceremony at the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center
The Brief The Atlanta Public Safety Training Center aims to modernize training for police and fire departments, fostering collaboration and improving emergency response. The facility has faced significant controversy, including protests and environmental concerns, with critics dubbing it "Cop City." Despite opposition, the Atlanta City Council approved additional funding, emphasizing the center's role in enhancing public safety and community relations. ATLANTA - The Atlanta Police Department and Atlanta Fire Rescue Department raised the American flag together last week in a ceremony marking a major milestone at the new Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. SEE FULL COVERAGE OF THE ATLANTA PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CENTER What they're saying The event was held to celebrate the opening of the controversial facility and signal a new era of joint training and collaboration between the city's public safety agencies. Officials called the ceremony a symbol of "our commitment to excellence, unity, and preparedness in public service." The joint event also "symbolizes our readiness to elevate training and collaboration across Atlanta's public safety teams," the departments said in a joint statement. The new training center, backed by city leaders and law enforcement officials, has drawn national attention and months of protests. But police and fire department leaders say the facility is critical to improving emergency response and fostering coordination between agencies. The backstory The Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, a $90 million facility aimed at modernizing training grounds for the city's police and fire departments, is set to open in the coming weeks. Approved by the Atlanta City Council in September 2021, the center has been a source of controversy and debate since its inception. City officials have emphasized the need for the 85-acre campus, which is intended to replace outdated facilities and bolster efforts in recruiting and retaining public safety personnel. They have highlighted plans to incorporate progressive training methodologies and maintain surrounding green spaces. However, the project has faced persistent opposition from critics who refer to it as "Cop City." Environmental concerns have been raised due to the construction site's location within a forested area in southeast Atlanta. Activists argue that the development could lead to significant ecological damage and adversely affect local communities. Timeline The controversy surrounding the center intensified with several incidents. In December 2022, authorities arrested multiple protesters at the site, charging them with domestic terrorism. Officials alleged that these individuals were part of a coordinated effort to halt construction through unlawful means. In January 2023, a confrontation between law enforcement and activists resulted in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old protester Manuel Esteban Paez Terán. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation stated that Terán fired upon officers first, a claim contested by fellow activists and Terán's family. Further unrest occurred in March 2023 when a group of masked individuals allegedly attacked the construction site, setting equipment ablaze and confronting police officers. Subsequently, 23 people were arrested and charged with domestic terrorism. Despite extensive public commentary and hours of testimony from residents, the Atlanta City Council approved an additional $31 million in funding for the project in June 2023. The majority of residents who testified opposed the facility's construction. By December 2024, city officials provided media tours of the nearly completed facility, showcasing its state-of-the-art resources designed for comprehensive training of first responders. They reiterated the center's role in enhancing public safety and community relations. SEE ALSO: Fulton County judge expected to rule on 'Cop City' records case Man arrested during 'Cop City' protest files lawsuit against city Lawsuit accuses Atlanta police of illegally targeting 'Cop City' activists Cop City fight: Court battle over Atlanta Public Safety Center continues as opening date nears Atlanta State of the City: Mayor focused on infrastructure, housing, and reelection The Source The Atlanta Police Department provided the details and video of the flag-raising ceremony. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used.
