Tensions boiled over at Emory University on April 25 as a group of protesters, consisting of a mix of students and outsiders, clashed with campus and city police. According to body-worn camera footage released on May 22, Atlanta police officers were seen responding to the protest. The Emory Police Department (EPD), who called for backup, led the response. The footage reveals the chaotic moments as law enforcement attempted to disperse the crowd.
The Atlanta Police Department (APD) said in an updated statement, "Unfortunately, during these interactions our law enforcement officers were met with violence." The department insists they are looking to quickly determine if there were any policy violations, hinting at a commitment to accountability in the aftermath of the protest.
On the day of the protest, the EPD initially approached the protestors with multiple requests to disperse peacefully. With no compliance forthcoming, Atlanta Police stepped in to assist with the situation at hand. Chemical irritants were used by APD officers, a point of contention amid reports, but the department was quick to clarify that they did not deploy rubber bullets, seeking to set the record straight in the days that followed.
The APD emphasized their dedication to First Amendment rights and the safety of college communities. "We prioritize the safety and well-being of our college communities in and around the Atlanta area," they stated, confirming their role was to only detain individuals who did not comply with a dispersal order. In the same breath, the Mayor's office announced plans for Mayor Dickens to convene with educational leaders to foster dialogue and search for constructive solutions.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of opinions online and off, with many waiting eagerly for further details to be released. Emory University itself has not released a statement since the days immediately following the protest, leaving some questions unanswered as the investigation continues.
