Georgia lawmakers ask DOJ to investigate death of protester from “Cop City” on Jan. 18 – 95.5 WSB

(ATLANTA, Georgia) — A group of Georgia lawmakers, all Democrats, representing Senate and Representative districts in the greater Atlanta area has sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland’s office at the US Department of Justice.

The letter requests that AG Garland conduct a thorough, independent investigation into “the continuing pattern of misconduct within state law enforcement agencies, including but not limited to the January 18, 2023 incident.”

Environmental activist Manuel “Tortuguita” Paez Teran was shot dead by a joint task force of Georgian law enforcement agencies on January 18 during what officials dubbed a “clean-up operation”. Teran had by this time been camping in the South River Forest for several weeks or months protesting the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center that was planned on the site.

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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said that Teran fired first and that her death was by return fire. Teran’s family denies the portrayal. Because Georgia State Patrol officers don’t typically wear bodycams and autopsies have been inconclusive, the group of six Democrats want a more thorough investigation to dispel any doubts.

“We believe it is important that a credible investigation be conducted that collects and releases the necessary information to ensure public confidence in the investigative and prosecution process,” the letter said.

The letter can be read in full here.