Georgia State Troopers’ Use of Deadly Force Deemed “Objectively Reasonable”
Georgia state troopers who shot and killed an activist at the site of a planned police and firefighter training center near Atlanta will not face charges, according to Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Christian. The prosecutor declared the use of deadly force as “objectively reasonable” in a news release on Friday.
Opponents of the project, humorously dubbed “Cop City” by detractors, had occupied an 85-acre forest tract earmarked for the expansive facility. It was in this location that Manuel Paez Teran met his tragic end.
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston had initially handled the case but recused herself, leading to George Christian’s involvement as the reviewing authority. He made the final call not to pursue charges.
During an “enforcement operation” conducted by state troopers at the site, they encountered Paez Teran, also known as Tortuguita. When the activist refused to exit a tent, the troopers employed a pepperball launcher. In response, Paez Teran fired four shots from a handgun through the tent, gravely injuring one of the troopers, as per the release. In self-defense, six troopers returned fire, resulting in the unfortunate death of Paez Teran.