Atlanta, Georgia, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Fulton County Judge Kevin Farmer has announced the intention to dismiss racketeering charges against 61 defendants involved in protests against the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, known as ‘Cop City.’ The judge ruled that the Georgia Attorney General lacked authority to bring these charges under the RICO Act, citing procedural missteps. While racketeering charges may be dismissed, domestic terrorism charges could still advance. The case reflects broader concerns about civil rights and environmental justice amidst ongoing protests following the police killing of an activist.
Atlanta, Georgia – Fulton County Judge Kevin Farmer has announced plans to dismiss racketeering charges against 61 defendants involved in the protests against the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, often referred to as “Cop City.” This significant ruling comes from a case that has garnered widespread attention, as it may have been one of the largest criminal racketeering cases filed against protestors in U.S. history.
Judge Farmer determined that Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr lacked the necessary authority to secure the 2023 indictments under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, noting that the Attorney General failed to obtain authorization from Governor Brian Kemp before proceeding with the case. The judge emphasized that the necessary steps were not followed, indicating that the procedural missteps played a critical role in his ruling.
Most defendants in this case faced multiple charges, including allegations of throwing Molotov cocktails at police, providing food to protesters, and distributing flyers concerning a state trooper who fatally shot a protester. Each defendant faced the possibility of up to 20 years in prison if convicted under the RICO charges. Furthermore, five individuals were also charged with domestic terrorism and first-degree arson related to events that led to vandalism and the destruction of police vehicles.
While Judge Farmer signaled his intention to dismiss the RICO charges, he acknowledged that the domestic terrorism charges may still advance in the judicial process. In response to the ruling, the Attorney General’s office expressed disagreement and announced plans to appeal the decision immediately.
Defense attorney Don Samuel criticized the prosecution as a violation of the fundamental right to protest, characterizing the case as an assault on the ability of individuals to express dissent. This case became more contentious following the police killing of activist Manuel Paez Terán in January 2023, an incident that occurred during a law enforcement attempt to dismantle protests at the planned training facility site.
The “Stop Cop City” movement has become a symbol of resistance for various activist groups, opposing the construction of the training center which is set on environmentally sensitive land within a majority-Black community. Despite ongoing protests and public outcry, the training center officially opened in April 2023, further intensifying the already heated controversy surrounding its establishment.
Criticism surrounding the prosecution has been persistent, with Judge Farmer and other judicial figures calling out the handling of the case, noting instances of what they referred to as “gross negligence.” A previous trial for one defendant resulted in a mistrial due to procedural issues and restrictions on public access to jury selection. Furthermore, multiple motions for dismissal have been filed by defense attorneys. Many defendants have reported challenges in maintaining stable employment and housing as a result of the charges against them.
Activists argue that the underlying intention of the case reflects a politically motivated effort to suppress movements aimed at addressing police militarization and concerns regarding environmental damage associated with the center’s construction. This multifaceted protest movement encapsulates broader questions about civil rights and environmental justice.
Background Context
The Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, often dubbed “Cop City,” was proposed to bolster police training and response capabilities. However, its location and the environmental impact have raised serious concerns among community members and activist groups. The protests intensified after controversial police actions, including the shooting of Manuel Paez Terán, which sparked widespread demonstrations against law enforcement practices and the facility’s construction.
FAQ
What are the charges against the defendants in the “Stop Cop City” protest case?
The defendants faced a range of charges, including racketeering, throwing Molotov cocktails at police, supplying food to protesters, and in some cases, domestic terrorism and first-degree arson.
What led to the protests against the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center?
Protests escalated following police actions, particularly the killing of activist Manuel Paez Terán, as well as concerns regarding police militarization and the environmental impact of constructing the training center on sensitive land.
What is the next step following Judge Farmer’s ruling?
Following Farmer’s ruling to dismiss the RICO charges, the Attorney General’s office plans to appeal the decision while the domestic terrorism charges may still proceed to trial.
Key Features of the Story
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Judge’s Ruling | Plans to dismiss RICO charges against 61 defendants. |
| Charges Overview | Defendants facing various allegations, including domestic terrorism and arson. |
| Response to Decision | Attorney General’s office intends to appeal the judge’s ruling. |
| Context of Protests | Protests started after the police killing of an activist and community concerns over environmental impact and police militarization. |
| Future of Charges | Domestic terrorism charges may still progress despite the dismissal of RICO charges. |
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Additional Resources
- AP News: Atlanta Cop City RICO Charges
- 11 Alive: Stop Cop City Protest RICO Case
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Judge Tosses Cop City RICO Charges
- Wikipedia: Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Riot
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
