APD releases body camera video during protest at Emory University

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Police Department is releasing body camera video of the April 25 protests that took place on the Emory University campus.

APD said it assisted the Emory Police Department at its request when a “group of protesters refused multiple requests” for peaceful dispersal. On Wednesday evening, APD released eight clips from that day. In a statement, APD said APD only detained people who did not comply with the order.

11Alive is still going through the videos at this time. In one of the clips we’ve reviewed so far, APD said one of those arrested claimed a police officer put a knee on someone’s neck at the scene.

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“Additional footage was then viewed to locate the encounter he was referring to,” APD said. “APD commanders have been notified of the incident and have reviewed body-worn camera footage showing the incident.”

One person in the video shouts: “Why is his knee on his neck? » The clip that 11Alive watched — which features different angles of the encounter — appears to show an officer’s knee on his shoulder and back.

“The video does not show anyone putting a knee on his neck,” APD said. “Once restrained, the officers immediately seated the arrested person, found no indication that he was injured, and placed him with the rest of the arrestees.”

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On the day the protests broke out, authorities said about 28 people were arrested. The massive crowd gathered as students and community members protested the war in Gaza. Students set up a protest encampment in support of the Palestinians, with the school describing it in a statement as an “intrusion.” University officials quickly rallied behind law enforcement who descended on campus, leading to a confrontation between protesters and law enforcement.

“We prioritize the safety and well-being of our university communities in and around the Atlanta area,” APD said in a statement released Wednesday. “There are times when educational institutions request assistance from APD, and we remain committed to supporting them within the confines of the law and their university policies. Additionally, Mayor Dickens plans to meet with presidents of Atlanta’s higher education institutions to develop ways to create dialogue about paths forward.