Suspect Dead, GA Trooper In Stable Condition In 'Cop City' Shooting

ATLANTA, GA — A suspect is dead and a Georgia State Patrol trooper was shot Wednesday near the site of the future Atlanta Police Safety Training Center, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The shooting happened at Constitution Road, according to the department.

Georgia State Patrol Col. Chris Wright told media outlets the trooper is in stable condition and was in surgery early Wednesday afternoon.

"We would just like to ask for everyone's thoughts and prayers for him and his family during this difficult time," Wright said.

GBI Director Mike Register said the trooper was part of a clearing operation with other task force members at the training center, also known as "Cop City," when he was shot by a suspect. Authorities fired back, killing the suspect, Register said.

Protests have been ongoing at the training center, with protesters clashing with police over the training center's construction and vying to protect the forest on the land. In mid-December, five people were arrested on accusations of domestic terrorism.

Register said Wednesday's shooting was directly related to the site as authorities were attempting to clear people out of the area.

"People were being asked to leave," he said.

The name of the suspect is not being released, pending next of kin notification.

The name of the trooper was not released.

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Michael Thurmond released the following statement, following Wednesday's incident:

“DeKalb County government offers its thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery for the Georgia State Patrol officer shot today in DeKalb County. DeKalb County will continue to cooperate with and provide support to the multijurisdictional law enforcement task force charged with maintaining peace and security.”