ATLANTA — On Tuesday evening, Atlanta City Council subcommittee voted to change the way that sweeps of homeless encampments are done following the “tragic” death of a homeless man during the clearing of a homeless encampment in Atlanta.
Cornelius Taylor was killed in what a public works official calls a ‘tragic accident’ at the site on Old Wheat Street near the King Center and Ebeneezer Church.
A recent statement from the Hosea Helps organization called it callous and inhumane, and a failure to value human life.
A rally was held on Jan. 23. at Atlanta City Hall where community leaders, residents and supporters called for justice for Taylor.
The attendees also demanded changes to be made regarding how the city’s homeless population are treated.
On Tuesday, Atlanta police released a copy of their report detailing the incident. But some witnesses say it’s a lie, according to WSBTV.
“Police reports generally across America aren’t worth the paper they’re written on,” attorney Mawuli Davis said.
Davis adds that he is not surprised that Atlanta police are telling a different story than witnesses.
“This was a complete and preventable death caused by City of Atlanta policies and procedures,” he explained.
The police report says that when an officer encountered Taylor, he didn’t have any obvious, major injuries. However, one witness said that’s not true.
“He had more than a bloody nose. His chest looked like it had been crushed and everything, it’s sad,” the witness said. “Don’t lie, all your policies in this case have been broken.”
City council members also discussed possible opportunities for affordable housing and permanent solutions.
A vote is expected Monday on further action to take.