A disturbing scene unfolded at a homeless encampment near Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church when cell phone footage showed a man, wearing a shirt labeled "enforcement" and allegedly armed, slashing through tents that sheltered homeless people. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the man, identified as 42-year-old Danielle Barnett, also known as "Davinci," is facing property damage charges for his actions.
The incident occurred near where another tragedy took place earlier this year. A city bulldozer, in a clearing operation ahead of MLK Day festivities, killed Cornelius Taylor. The Atlanta Police Department confirmed that Barnett works as a security officer in the area but is not affiliated with the city or the police department.
Gonzo Johnson, a resident of the encampment, told WSB-TV, "We already have nothing. Then you come in here and tear it up." Community leaders and activists have called for charges against Barnett and greater protection for homeless individuals.
Reverend Nolan English, associated with Traveling Grace Ministries, stated, "The heart of Atlanta needs a serious check right now. We were known as a city too busy to hate and, right now, we’re looking like a city too busy to love," in a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta. Mawuli Davis, an attorney representing Taylor's family, said, "These are Atlanta citizens that deserve protection, that deserve the right to live in peace, that deserve the right to live without being terrorized or humiliated and having their very few personal belongings destroyed" The whereabouts of Barnett remain unclear, with no confirmation on whether he has been arrested.
