A city department vehicle ran over a homeless man in a homeless shelter in Atlanta.
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Last Thursday, police responded to a call about an injured person around noon, according to a press release. Officers took the man to a hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. The extent of his injuries is unknown.
The City of Alaska shared a statement from Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for HOME with PEOPLE. She confirmed that the incident occurred at a homeless shelter and that it was a homeless man who was killed. The homeless encampment was being shut down in a process that began several months ago.
Partners for HOME had spent that time working with the individuals who resided at the encampment to shelter them elsewhere. Apparently, individuals "began transitioning to shelter in June 2024." Not everyone had left, however, and it seemed the city was eager to be rid of the encampment for an upcoming holiday.
Witnesses spoke to 11Alive, where they voiced their disgust toward the incident. They believed the city was keen to 'clean' the streets before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on January 20. "I'm sure they wanted to show a pristine version of Atlanta," one believes.
The outlet named Cornelius Taylor as the man who died.
Mayor Expresses Sorrow Toward The Avoidable Accident
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickins expressed his sadness over the "terrible incident." "I care deeply about each and every life in this city," he said before promising that he'll take steps to make sure this never happens again.
The news outlet shared a still from a video of the awful accident. It clearly shows a bulldozer of sorts set to push away what remained of the encampment. It is unclear how and why the driver didn't identify Cornelius Taylor.
The Housing Justice League set up a vigil for Cornelius Taylor on January 17, which they shared to X.
Atlanta's homicide unit has confirmed that they are investigating Taylor's death. They have refused to provide any details as the investigation is ongoing.
The people of Atlanta are now demanding change. They wish for the street sweeps to stop and for the city to do more to help the unsheltered population.
