Fulton County Judge Dismisses Racketeering Charges Against 61 Cop City Protesters

A Fulton County judge in Atlanta ruled to dismiss racketeering charges against all 61 defendants accused of conspiring to block construction of the Atlanta police training facility known as 'Cop City,' citing that Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr lacked proper authorization from Governor Brian Kemp to prosecute under the state’s RICO law. The judge also indicated that arson charges against some defendants would be dismissed on similar grounds, though domestic terrorism charges might remain. The prosecution, considered the largest racketeering case against protesters in U.S. history, faced criticism for being politically motivated and aimed at suppressing opposition to the $90 million training center built on forest land. Defense attorneys hailed the ruling as a significant victory, while the state signaled an intent to appeal. The controversy around Cop City included years of protests by activists opposing police militarization and environmental destruction, as well as the fatal police shooting of a protester. Despite the legal battles and demonstrations, the training center was completed earlier in 2025.