Arson at Atlanta Construction Site Linked to ‘Cop City’ Protests: What We Know

A construction site in Atlanta was the scene of a suspected arson early Wednesday morning, marking the latest in a series of attacks linked to the ongoing protests against the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, also known as “Cop City.”

The fire occurred at a lot on Memorial Drive, near newly built apartments, where several pieces of construction equipment were found damaged by fire.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, during a press conference, indicated that law enforcement suspects the fire was part of a continued effort to disrupt the construction of the training facility, which has faced vehement opposition from various protest groups.

The site belongs to Brent Scarborough and Company Inc., although police have not confirmed if the company was specifically targeted in this incident.

Authorities are currently searching for two suspects believed to have entered the site around 2 a.m. and set fire to two pieces of equipment using “improvised incendiary devices.” Schierbaum spoke about the severity of the situation, noting that a nearby fuel tank, which could have caused significant destruction, was fortunately left unharmed.

Federal and local agencies, including the ATF, FBI, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and arson units from both DeKalb County and Atlanta, are actively investigating the incident as part of a broader task force addressing violence linked to the training facility.

A $200,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest in the case, with residents urged to report any suspicious activity from the night using local tip lines.

By The Numbers

• $10 million: Estimated damage caused by incidents related to opposition to the training facility, according to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
• $90 million to $110 million: The increase in the estimated cost of the project, attributed to delays and damage from the protest movement.
• $200,000: Reward offered for information leading to arrests in arson cases linked to the training center’s construction.
• 60+: Number of people charged under a RICO indictment connected to the “Defend the Atlanta Forest” movement.
• December 2024: Target date for the completion of the training facility, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony still planned despite ongoing disruptions.

In Context

The suspected arson is the latest development in a long-running conflict over the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, often referred to by its detractors as “Cop City.” The opposition has been diverse, including environmentalists concerned about the destruction of preserved forest areas, as well as activists protesting the historical significance of the land. The site was once part of the Muscogee Creek people’s territory and later housed the Old Prison Farm.

The protest movement gained significant traction following the death of Manuel Teran, an activist shot by law enforcement in January 2023 during a sweep of protest encampments. This incident intensified the protests and drew national attention to the conflict surrounding the training center’s construction.

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