NE Atlanta News

After a fatal shooting at the "Cop City" protest site near Atlanta, prosecutors announced that Georgia state troopers will not be charged, as their use of deadly force was deemed "objectively reasonable" during an enforcement operation. The victim, Manuel Paez Teran, an activist known as Tortuguita, was killed during the incident on the 85-acre forest tract intended for a large-scale police and firefighter training facility.

Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Christian concluded that no criminal charges will be brought against Trooper Parrish, stating, "Teran was an immediate threat to Parrish and his fellow Troopers. Teran was actively resisting arrest." Christian further explained that Trooper Parrish's decision to use lethal force was "objectively reasonable" and that he did not act with any criminal intent.

According to Fox News, District Attorney George Christian of the Mountain Judicial Circuit made the decision not to press charges after reviewing the Georgia Bureau of Investigation file regarding the shooting. Christian's appointment came after DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston removed herself from the case.

During the enforcement operation at the "Cop City" site, state troopers engaged with Paez Teran, who refused to exit a tent. The troopers discharged a pepperball launcher, but Paez Teran retaliated by firing four shots through the tent, causing severe injuries to a trooper. In response, six troopers returned fire, resulting in the death of Paez Teran.

Christian's report stated that the troopers had provided prior notice of using a "less lethal" approach to compel Paez Teran to exit the tent. However, he did not comply with their commands and fired shots at the troopers from within the tent.

The conclusion reached by District Attorney George Christian supports the decision not to bring criminal charges against the Georgia state troopers involved in the shooting. The use of deadly force was deemed necessary and justified based on the circumstances, including Paez Teran's actions and the immediate threat he posed to the troopers.