The Stop Cop City Protester Killed incident is the major event in the ongoing struggle against the Atlanta Public Safety Training Facility which is often called Cop City. Activists, environmentalists and community members had long opposed this project as this facility center threatened the South River Forest which is one of Atlanta’s last remaining large green areas. On 18th January 2023, a young environmental activist named Manuel Esteban Paez Terán who is also known as Tortuguita or Little Turtle lost his life during a confrontation with law enforcement in Atlanta, Georgia. Terán was actively involved in protecting the South River Forest where the 85 acres of land is under construction for a police and firefighter training centre.
Stop Cop City Protester Killed
In the Stop Cop City movement, the protester named Manuel Esteban Paez Terán was killed. Terán’s passing became a turning point in the movement. The authorities claimed that activists had fired at a police officer and many supporters including Terán family and fellow protestors questioned the official version of events. The killing not only intensified the debate over environmental and civil rights but it also highlights the dangers activists face when standing up for causes they believe in. The medical examiner report found that Terán was shot 57 times. Despite these findings, prosecutors determined that the officers acted in self defense and chose not to press charges.
Stop Atlanta Public Safety Training Center Movement – Overview
| Post Title | Stop Cop City Protester Killed |
| Country Name | United States |
| Movement Name | Stop Cop City |
| Protestor Name | Manuel Esteban Paez Terán |
| Killed On | 18th January 2023 |
| Age | 26 Years |
| Role | Environmental activist and forest defender |
| Legal Outcome | Officers not charged, 61 fellow activists indicated under RICO, family filed civil rights lawsuit |
| Autopsy Findings | Shot for 57 times, no gunpowder residue on hands |
| Category | News |
Who Was Killed During the Cop City Movement?
The activist killed during the Stop Cop City Movement was Manuel Esteban Paez Terán. He was aged 26 years old when he was killed. He was a non binary environmental activist. Terán’s efforts made him a central figure in the Stop Cop city movement. His death became a symbol of the risks that were faced by activists defending natural spaces against Government backed projects.
When Was a Protestor Killed During the Cop City Movement?
This incident took place on 18th January 2023. This date is remembered as a crucial moment for the Stop Cop City campaign. Prior to this, the movement involved various peaceful protests, legal challenges and camping demonstrations in the forest. Terán’s death brought national attention to the project and it also highlighted the serious consequences of confrontations between law enforcement and activists.
Where Was a Stop Cop City Protestor Killed?
The shooting happened within the South River Forest which is an urban woodland near Atlanta, Georgia. This forest is a home to wildfire and served as a natural space for the community. Activists had established camps and tree sits to block construction of Cop city and to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the Cop City training facility. The area has become the center of both activism and law enforcement activity.
How Stop Cop City Protestor Was Killed?
As per the official statements, Terán shot a police officer. Officers return fire and this kills Terán. But family and independent reports suggest that Terán may have been seated and raising his hands at the time of shooting. The medical examiner noted that Terán was hit 57 times and no gunpowder residue was found on his hands. This discrepancy has fueled public debate over the use of force and the accuracy of the official narrative. The Georgia prosecutor eventually ruled that the officers acted in self defense and this led to no criminal charges.
FAQs Related To Stop Cop City Protester Killed
- Who were the activists killed at Stop Cop City Movement?
- The activist was Manuel Esteban Paez Terán who was killed at Stop Cop City Movement. He was killed at the age of 26 years.
- When did the Cop City Protestor Killed incident happen?
- The shooting occurred on 18th January 2023 in the South River Forest near Atlanta.
- How did the activist die in the Stop Cop City Movement?
- Authorities claim that Manuel Esteban Paez Terán shot a police officer first and officers returned fire and killed Terán.
- How many times was Terán shot during Stop Cop City?
- According to the medical examiner report, Terán was shot at least 57 times.
