DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – A Georgia State Patrol trooper was shot and killed by a protester who shot him during an attack on the site of a targeted Atlanta Police Department training facility on Wednesday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.
The trooper is in the ICU and underwent surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital, officials said. He was shot in the pelvic area and was wearing a bullet proof vest during the incident.
GBI Director Mike Register said several agencies conducted a raid near the targeted facility that morning. As law enforcement moved through the property, officers found a man inside a tent in the woods.
The GBI released a photo of the tent where the suspect was found.
Officers gave verbal commands to the man, but he did not comply. He then shot a Georgia State Patrol trooper. According to the GBI, the officers fired in self-defense.
Law enforcement officers shot and killed the man who fired at the soldiers. The identity of the shooter has not been released.
The GBI says the raid was to remove protesters who were illegally at the facility.
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“We want to hear everyone’s thoughts and prayers for his family during this difficult time,” said GSP Col. Chris Wright.
A Channel 2 Action News The photographer saw officers in the woods with guns drawn and trained. At least four people have been arrested, according to the GBI.
Register said building the training center is good for the city, but he supports the right to protest, even though he thinks protesters have crossed the line too many times.
“They are a danger to the community and citizens in this area,” Register said.
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Protesters disagreed with how the GBI described the incident Channel 2’s Tom Jones That the protest was peaceful.
The facility, nicknamed “Cop City” by protesters, is controversial to many.
The protestors said that this will harm the community and the environment. The proposed facility would occupy 85 acres off Key Road in the largest urban forest in metro Atlanta.
Last month, protesters had to be forcibly removed from trees in the area of the proposed facility.
The GBI said the investigation is active.
As of Wednesday evening, there was still a significant police presence outside the proposed facility.
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