A federal judge has dismissed a civil rights lawsuit filed by the parents of Manuel Esteban Paez Terán, an environmental activist who was fatally shot by Georgia state troopers during a protest against the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, often referred to as “Cop City.”

Lawsuit Claims Excessive Force

The lawsuit, filed by Belkis Terán and Joel Paez, alleged that troopers violated Paez Terán’s free speech rights and used excessive force. They argued that the activist, who used they/them pronouns, panicked and began firing shots after troopers fired pepper balls into their tent.

Judge’s Ruling

U.S. District Judge Steven Grimberg ruled on Monday that the troopers’ actions were “objectively reasonable.” The judge noted that Paez Terán initiated the gunfire, wounding one trooper, which justified the use of lethal force in response.

“Because Paez Teran initiated gunfire with the officers, Plaintiffs cannot maintain that Defendants’ actions were the proximate cause of the use of deadly force that ultimately ended the decedent’s life,” Judge Grimberg wrote in the ruling.

Qualified Immunity Granted

Grimberg also granted the officers qualified immunity, a legal protection that shields government workers from liability in certain civil rights cases. This prevents the parents from suing over claims that the officers violated Paez Terán’s constitutional rights.

Family’s Response

The parents expressed their devastation through their attorneys, Jeff Filipovits and Wingo Smith. “They feel they are being denied the accountability they deserve,” the attorneys said in a statement. “The records of their child’s death still have not been publicly released. They will be reviewing all their legal options.”

Investigation Findings

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) stated that footage shows officers fired in self-defense after Paez Terán shot at them and disregarded commands to leave the tent. Ballistics evidence confirmed the injured trooper was struck by a bullet from a gun legally purchased by Paez Terán in 2020.

Background of the ‘Cop City’ Protests

The “Stop Cop City” movement arose in protest of the 85-acre Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. Activists raised concerns about environmental damage, deforestation, and potential flooding in a nearby community. They also opposed the allocation of public funds to the project, which they characterized as a training ground for “urban warfare.”

Some protests turned violent, with activists damaging police vehicles and construction equipment, leading to racketeering charges against some participants. Despite the protests and legal challenges, the training center has opened.

The memory of Paez Terán, known as Tortuguita, continues to be a symbol for anti-police protests in Atlanta, with their image appearing in murals and flyers throughout the city.