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

Ruling finds troopers' actions 'objectively reasonable' after activist shot at them

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:18pm

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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 shot and killed by Georgia state troopers during a raid on a protest camp against the construction of the 'Cop City' police training facility in Atlanta. The judge ruled the troopers' use of force was justified after Paez Terán fired at them.

Why it matters

The shooting of Paez Terán was a pivotal moment in the 'Stop Cop City' movement, which had protested the construction of the controversial police training facility on environmental and racial justice grounds. The dismissal of the lawsuit is a setback for the activist's family and supporters seeking accountability.

The details

According to the ruling, troopers were within their rights to fire pepper balls at Paez Terán after the activist, who was accused of criminal trespass, did not comply with orders to leave their tent. The judge said the troopers' lethal response was reasonable after Paez Terán, who used they/them pronouns, fired at the officers and wounded one of them.

  • The shooting of Paez Terán occurred on January 18, 2023.
  • The federal judge dismissed the lawsuit on April 1, 2026.

The players

Manuel Paez Terán

A 26-year-old environmental activist known as 'Tortuguita' who was shot and killed by Georgia state troopers during a raid on a protest camp against the 'Cop City' police training facility construction.

Belkis Terán and Joel Paez

The parents of Manuel Paez Terán who filed the civil rights lawsuit against the troopers involved in their child's death.

U.S. District Judge Steven Grimberg

The federal judge who dismissed the lawsuit filed by Paez Terán's parents, ruling the troopers' use of force was justified.

Georgia State Patrol

The law enforcement agency whose troopers were involved in the raid and shooting of Paez Terán.

Stop Cop City

The protest movement that had opposed the construction of the 'Cop City' police training facility in Atlanta on environmental and racial justice grounds.

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What they’re saying

“They feel they are being denied the accountability they deserve. The records of their child's death still have not been publicly released. They will be reviewing all their legal options.”

— Jeff Filipovits and Wingo Smith, Attorneys for Paez Terán's parents

What’s next

Paez Terán's parents have indicated they will be reviewing their legal options in response to the judge's dismissal of their lawsuit.

The takeaway

The dismissal of the lawsuit over Paez Terán's death is a setback for the 'Stop Cop City' movement, which had hoped to hold law enforcement accountable for the activist's killing. It highlights the challenges activists face in seeking justice through the courts, even in high-profile cases involving police use of force.