Tuesday on Political Rewind:More voices are calling for Congress to pass a bill that would address police misconduct. The bill passed the U.S. House in 2021 but was never taken up by the Senate. Plus, Southern Democrats urge President Biden and the Democratic National Committee to hold their convention in Atlanta.
Self-proclaimed "forest defenders" in Atlanta are calling for a more thorough investigation into the death of a protester who was killed by authorities after officials said the activist shot a trooper. Friends say they knew 26-year-old Tortuguita, or "Little Turtle," as funny, curious and thoughtful, not the kind of person who would fire a gun on police. But authorities say that's just what Tortuguita did as they tried to clear an 85-acre forested area that's set to be developed as a police and firefighter training facility.
Law enforcement across the country were on alert Friday evening for possible unrest in response to the release of the video footage of the arrest of Tyre Nichols. Nichols was beaten by police during a traffic stop in Memphis on Jan. 7 and died Jan. 10 from his injuries. Protests began shortly after the release of the video Friday evening. Demonstrations began in Memphis, New York City, Atlanta and other cities.
The Dekalb County District Attorney is recusing her office from an investigation involving a shooting that killed a protestor and wounded a member of the state patrol.
Leaders in Georgia are ready for action after protests over an Atlanta police public safety training facility erupted into violence and vandalism last week, including thrown Molotov cocktails, a patrol car set ablaze, a 26-year-old protester killed and a state trooper shot.
GPB's Peter Biello speaks with David Peisner, who has been writing about the movement to protect the South River Forest, about Manuel Teran, the 26-year-old activist who was shot and killed by police last week.
Monday on Political Rewind: There's been a dramatic escalation of violence between law enforcement and opponents of the planned Atlanta Police and Fire Training Center. Meanwhile, pro-choice activists protested on the 50th anniversary of the now-defunct Roe v. Wade decision.