"Saddened by this terrible incident": Atlanta mayor speaks out after Man killed during homeless encampment sweep

On January 16, 2025, a fatal tragedy struck Atlanta when a man was killed by the clearance process of a homeless encampment near Ebenezer Baptist Church. The victim was identified as Cornelius Taylor who was reportedly hit by an Atlanta Department of Public Works vehicle while he was asleep in his tent. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has expressed his condolences on the incident.

According to People magazine, Dickens said in a statement:

“I am saddened by this terrible incident and extend my thoughts and prayers to the family of the deceased.”

“I care deeply about each and every life in this city. We will review each of our processes and procedures and take every precaution to ensure this never happens again and while we continue our important work to house our unsheltered population and bring our neighbors inside.”

The incident happened at noon on Old Wheat Street, where city crews were working to dismantle a camp. The Atlanta Police Department reported that officers found Taylor in need of immediate medical assistance.

He was taken to the nearest hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Witnesses at the scene said that Taylor was asleep in his tent when the city vehicle, described by some as a garbage truck or bulldozer, ran over him. Anthony Richardson, who lived in the same encampment, told FOX 5 that he could hear Taylor snoring just before the incident occurred.

"My tent was right behind his, that could’ve been me if I didn’t leave.”

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City procedures and outreach efforts

The City of Atlanta Department of Public Works released a statement clarifying that the clearing process involved an extensive outreach process involving connecting homeless people with housing and service options.

According to Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for HOME, outreach began months in advance, personally engaging residents in a process that involves transitioning them to shelter.

"As this is an open investigation, we are unable to provide specific details about the incident at the encampment. Closing encampments is a dynamic and collaborative process that prioritizes 90 days+ of extensive outreach leading up to the closure to connect unsheltered individuals with housing, resources and support services before any site is cleared.”

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Investigation and community response

The Atlanta Police Department's Homicide Unit is investigating the circumstances leading to Taylor's death.

The reaction from community activists and organizations has been one of shock and outrage. Vigils have been held in the memory of Taylor, with calls for accountability from city officials.

According to Hosea Helps CEO Elisabeth Omilami, the incident is a systemic failure in how the city handles homelessness.

"The tragic incident where a garbage truck ran over a homeless man right across from Ebenezer Baptist Church—next to the sacred grounds of Dr. King's gravesite—screams of a systemic failure to value human life, especially those most vulnerable among us."

“The people that gave the green light need to be held accountable. They need to lose their jobs, and the process needs to be examined. And we need to understand that this can never happen, there is no excuse.”

Activists urge transparency and changes in the city policies related to encampment clearances to prevent such tragedies.

Speaking to Fox 5, one of the Housing Justice League leaders who coordinated the vigil said:

“We all want to make sure that this horrific event never happens again in this city.”