Judge dismisses lawsuit over 'Cop City' protester's death

Ruling says troopers' actions were 'objectively reasonable' in fatal shooting of activist Manuel Paez Terán

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:11pm

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A federal judge has dismissed a civil rights lawsuit filed by the parents of Manuel Paez Terán, an environmental activist known as 'Tortuguita' who was killed by Georgia state troopers during protests against the construction of the 'Cop City' police and firefighter training center in Atlanta.

Why it matters

The death of Tortuguita was a pivotal moment in the ongoing protests against the 'Cop City' project, which has faced significant backlash from environmental activists and local residents. The judge's ruling dismissing the lawsuit could further inflame tensions around the controversial training center.

The details

According to the ruling, state troopers shot pepper balls into Tortuguita's tent and ultimately fired fatal gunshots after the 26-year-old activist shot one of the troopers. The judge determined the troopers' actions were 'objectively reasonable' given the circumstances.

  • The shooting of Tortuguita occurred on January 18, 2023.
  • The federal judge dismissed the civil rights lawsuit filed by Tortuguita's parents on April 1, 2026.

The players

Manuel Paez Terán

A 26-year-old environmental activist known as 'Tortuguita' who was killed by Georgia state troopers during protests against the 'Cop City' project.

Joel Paez and Belkis Teran

The parents of Manuel Paez Terán, who filed a civil rights lawsuit over their son's death that was dismissed by a federal judge.

Georgia state troopers

Law enforcement officers who shot and killed Manuel Paez Terán during the 'Cop City' protests.

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What’s next

The parents of Manuel Paez Terán may appeal the federal judge's dismissal of their civil rights lawsuit.

The takeaway

The death of Tortuguita and the dismissal of the lawsuit filed by his parents highlight the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the 'Cop City' project in Atlanta, which has become a flashpoint for environmental activism and debates over policing and use of force.