Atlanta Police Release Body Cam Footage of Emory University Protest Response
Body-worn camera footage released by the Atlanta Police Department sheds light on the events that unfolded during the April 25th, 2024 protest at Emory University. The footage comes following an initial statement from the department.
Video 1 (What led to knee on neck outcry): https://youtu.be/QLNQ_7CUDLg
Video 2: https://youtu.be/c3CKtQsnKvE
Video 3: https://youtu.be/xKP0LKlbCcQ
Video 4 (Officers arrest individuals after police line tape is pulled down): https://youtu.be/zpXFwW_GAAQ
Video 5: https://youtu.be/UTTgkpmv5XI
According to the updated statement released on April 26th, the Atlanta Police Department affirmed its commitment to upholding the First Amendment rights of all Atlantans. The department stated that it had assisted the Emory Police Department in securing the campus at their request after protestors refused multiple requests to disperse peacefully. The interaction reportedly escalated to violence, prompting the Atlanta Police Department to review their officers’ actions captured in the body-worn camera footage for any potential policy violations.
The Emory Police Department, as the lead agency for campus matters, issued actions and charges related to the incident. Members of the Atlanta Police Department reportedly detained individuals who did not comply with the dispersal order, focusing on ensuring the safety of the college community within the bounds of the law and university policies.
In the original statement released on April 25th, it was highlighted that Emory Police had initially requested assistance regarding the protest. Despite multiple dispersal orders issued by Emory Police, the crowd allegedly refused to comply, leading to law enforcement intervention to secure the campus. The statement acknowledged the use of chemical irritants by APD officers but emphasized the non-deployment of rubber bullets.
