Current:Home > FinancePolice officers won't face charges in fatal shooting of protester at 'Cop City' -ProsperityStream Academy
Police officers won't face charges in fatal shooting of protester at 'Cop City'
View
Date:2025-04-16 05:11:30
None of the Georgia State Police troopers involved in the fatal shooting of Manuel "Tortuguita" Teran will face charges, according to Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George R. Christian.
Teran, who used they/them pronouns, was shot and killed by police on Jan. 18 as officers raided campgrounds occupied by environmental demonstrators who had allegedly been camping out for months to protest the development of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, dubbed "Cop City" by critics.
According to an autopsy of Teran sent to ABC News, they did not have gunpowder residue on their hands. Officials claimed Teran fired the first shot at a state trooper. Officers then responded with gunfire.
In Friday's announcement that no charges would be filed, Christian wrote that Teran responded to officers firing "less lethal" pepperball rounds by "shooting four (4) times his 9 mm pistol through the tent striking and seriously injuring a Georgia State Trooper. Six Troopers returned fire resulting in the death of Teran."
"The use of lethal (deadly) force by the Georgia State Patrol was objectively reasonable under the circumstances of this case," Christian wrote. "No criminal charges will be brought against the Georgia State Patrol Troopers involved in the shooting of Manuel Perez Teran."
MORE: DeKalb County releases autopsy in 'Cop City' protester Manuel Teran's death
Teran had at least 57 gunshot wounds in their body, according to the autopsy, including in the hands, torso, legs and head.
An independent autopsy from the family found that Teran’s hands were raised during the fatal shooting, however, the DeKalb County autopsy stated, "There are too many variables with respect to movement of the decedent and the shooters to draw definitive conclusions concerning Mr. Teran's body position."
The DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office had ruled the death a homicide.
The Georgia Attorney General's Office is conducting its own investigation into the shooting.
ABC News' Jason Volack and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report.
veryGood! (96)
Related
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Chappell Roan may have made history at Lollapalooza with 'biggest set of all time'
- Video shows the Buffalo tornado that broke New York's record as the 26th this year
- When does 'Love is Blind: UK' come out? Season 1 release date, cast, hosts, where to watch
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- 9 killed when an overloaded SUV flips into a canal in rural South Florida, authorities say
- Teresa Giudice Explains Her Shocking Reaction to Jackie Goldschneider Bombshell During RHONJ Finale
- American discus thrower Valarie Allman makes it back to back gold medals at Paris Games
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Michael Phelps calls for lifetime ban for athletes caught doping: 'One and done'
Ranking
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- 'Could've been an email': House of the Dragon finale leaves fans wanting more
- Incumbent Maloy still leads after recount in Utah US House race, but lawsuit could turn the tide
- Stock market recap: Wall Street hammered amid plunging global markets
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- 2024 Olympics: Rower Justin Best Proposes to Girlfriend With 2,738 Yellow Roses in Nod to Snapchat Streak
- Mondo Duplantis sets pole vault world record on final attempt - after already winning gold
- Nick Cannon Confirms He “Absolutely” Would Get Back With Mariah Carey
Recommendation
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Taylor Swift adds five opening acts to her August Wembley shows. See the women she picked
Astrology's 'Big Three': What your sun, moon and rising sign say about you
T.I. arrested over case of mistaken identity, quickly released
Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina resigns as widening unrest sees protesters storm her official residence
HBO's 'Hard Knocks' with Chicago Bears debuts: Full schedule, how to watch episodes
Democratic primary in Arizona’s 3rd District is too close to call, AP determines