Lawsuit Dismissed in 'Cop City' Protester's Death

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. The lawsuit stemmed from the protest against the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, often referred to as “Cop City.”

Background of the Incident

The incident occurred at the DeKalb County construction site where protesters had been camping for months. The 85-acre training center has been a source of controversy, with opponents raising concerns about environmental damage and the use of public funds. The “Stop Cop City” movement formed to protest the project.

The Shooting and Initial Investigation

According to investigators, troopers encountered Paez Terán in a tent and fired in self-defense after being shot at. Ballistics evidence indicated the injured trooper was struck by a bullet from a gun legally purchased by Paez Terán in 2020. Paez Terán, who used they/them pronouns, initiated the gunfire, wounding one trooper.

Judge's Ruling

U.S. District Judge Steven Grimberg ruled that the troopers’ use of force was “objectively reasonable” given the circumstances. The judge stated that because Paez Terán initiated the shooting, the troopers’ subsequent actions were justified.

Qualified Immunity Granted

Judge Grimberg also granted the officers qualified immunity, a legal protection shielding government workers from liability unless their conduct violates clearly established statutory or constitutional rights, and there’s no reasonable argument that they should have known their conduct was unlawful.

Family's Response

Belkis Terán and Joel Paez, the parents of Paez Terán, expressed their devastation through their attorneys, Jeff Filipovits and Wingo Smith. They believe they are being denied accountability and are reviewing their legal options. They also noted that records related to their child’s death have not been publicly released.

Continued Activism

Despite the opening of the training center and recent legal developments, the memory of Paez Terán, known as Tortuguita, continues to inspire anti-police protests in Atlanta. Their image appears in murals and flyers throughout the city.