About 14 protesters in seven tents camped out overnight at the DeKalb County Courthouse in support of Anthony Hill, a veteran killed by police while he was unarmed and naked.
DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James said he will ask a grand jury on Thursday to indict the officer who shot Hill on charges of murder, aggravated assault, violation of oath of office and making a false statement.
Nelini Stamp, co-director of the advocacy organization Rise Up Georgia, said activists meeting at about 8 p.m. Monday slept overnight to begin the grand jury watch on the coldest day of the year.
“We intend to be here every night and all day until the grand jury gives their decision,” Stamp said.
Hill, 27, was shot and killed in March by DeKalb County police officer Robert Olsen. According to police, Hill was naked, knocking on doors in an apartment complex and crawling on the ground.
He allegedly ran toward the officer, ignored commands to stop and was shot, police said. He died on the scene.
Stamp said faith leaders and community members across metro Atlanta are supporting the protesters’ efforts.
“So even though it’s pretty cold, we’ve gotten hand-warmers,” Stamp said. “We’ve gotten people serving us hot chocolate.”
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