Cornelius Taylor, a 49-year-old homeless man, was killed during the clearing of a homeless encampment near Ebenezer Baptist Church. The tragic incident occurred on January 16, 2025. City workers from the Atlanta Department of Public Works (DPW) used heavy machinery to clear tents and debris from the encampment. Reports indicate that Taylor was inside his tent when it was struck by a bulldozer.
The encampment sweep was a part of the city's effort to comply with recent laws against camping in public places. (Senate Bill 62) City officials stated that outreach efforts had been ongoing for months prior to the sweep and attempts continue to be made to connect residents with housing and support services.
- Witness Accounts: Witnesses at the scene reported that city workers gave residents only a few minutes—some say as little as four—to gather their belongings before beginning the clearance. Many claim that no thorough checks were conducted to ensure tents were unoccupied before heavy machinery began operating.
- Taylor’s Condition: According to reports from witnesses and police documents, Taylor was asleep inside his tent when it was struck by heavy equipment. He sustained severe injuries and was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later died.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed condolences following the incident and announced plans to review policies surrounding homeless encampment sweeps. In his statement, Dickens emphasized his commitment to ensuring such tragedies do not recur while continuing efforts to house unsheltered individuals.
The Department of Public Works also issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy and confirmed its cooperation with an ongoing investigation led by Atlanta Police.
Author: Ericka Cameron-Carr
Sources
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