The FBI have been reportedly asked to investigate the hanging of a black man in Atlanta, Georiga’s popular Piedmont Park.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Consitution, Atlanta police responded to a call of an unidentified African-American male hanging from a tree by a rope near the entrance to the park shortly after 5 a.m. Thursday (June 7). Police spokesman Donald Hannah told reporters the man appeared to be between 25 and 35 years-old and was pronounced dead at the scene by EMT officials. In just a few hours, a medical examiner declared the incident a suicide, claiming no signs of foul play or a struggle were found.
The quick rush to judgement left Atlanta residents to take to Twitter with the hashtag, #PiedmontParkHanging. Civilians also questioned the time of the man’s death, which comes after two other African American men were killed by police officers this week.
so no correlation at all? Yeah right, I will not stay quiet.
#PiedmontParkHanging pic.twitter.com/rDZJ9Irfn7
— alli fitz (@allicatttx) July 7, 2016
it’s actually terrifying that this nation is suddenly repeating some of the worst parts of human history #PiedmontParkHanging
— equality daddy (@kennedyykerr) July 8, 2016
Someone decided to kick it old school and straight up lynch a man at #PiedmontPark in Atlanta, GA
Welcome 2016. #PiedmontParkHanging
— Ash Bee (@Hey_AshB) July 7, 2016
So will you guys ever @wsbtv report the story about the body hanging from a tree in Piedmont Park? That’s a public place, people should know
— Key Perspective (@keyperspective) July 7, 2016
Mayor Kasim Reed released a statement about the incident, assuring that a full investigation will be launched. He also added that the case has been referred to the FBI. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of a young man’s life last night in Piedmont Park.,” he said. “This disturbing event demands our full attention. The Atlanta Police Department (APD) is conducting a robust investigation into his death and I have asked to receive regular briefings on the status of the investigation. We have also referred the case to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Everything we have seen suggests that there was no foul play involved, but I want to state clearly and unequivocally that we will not prejudge the circumstances surrounding this young man’s death. APD will share all evidence discovered in the course of the investigation. We ask for the public’s support and cooperation as we work to resolve this matter.”
Meanwhile, a protest will take place on Friday (July 8), calling for more answers behind the troubling incident.
Atlanta Civil Rights March Tomorrow July 8 pic.twitter.com/Ofn5prBDFj
— T’Challa (@Sammy_Socialite) July 7, 2016