We Came to the Forest: Episode 4 - "In Love and Rage"

Release Date: February 10, 2025
Host: Matthew Scher
Produced by: Wondery | Campside Media

Introduction to the Incident

The episode "In Love and Rage" delves into the harrowing events that unfolded on January 18, 2023, within the South River Forest in Atlanta. A tranquil morning is shattered when a coordinated police raid targets activists protesting the construction of "Cop City," a controversial police training facility.

Key Players:

• Sarah and Spencer: Young activists who are part of the forest defender movement.
• Vienna Forrest: A delivery worker turned activist, deeply involved in the movement.
• Belquis Torte: Mother of the slain activist, Manuel Paez Teran (Tortuguito).
• Jeff Filipovitz: Attorney representing Torte’s family.

The Police Raid and Arrests

At approximately 8:30 AM on January 18th, Sarah and Spencer awaken in their hammock within the River Forest. Their peaceful morning is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of law enforcement.

• Sarah’s Account (00:33 – 01:54):

  “And I looked out through the tarp, basically just saw, like, GI Joes coming for us from across the woods... I honestly didn't even know if they were gonna open fire on us at that point.” [00:39]

Sarah and Spencer are quickly detained, with the police prioritizing the confiscation of their phones. The abruptness and aggression of the raid leave them terrified and uncertain about their fate.

The Shooting of Tortuguito

While Sarah and Spencer are being processed, chaos erupts as gunfire fills the air.

• Sarah’s Reaction (03:41 – 04:28):

  “I just knew in my gut that something was very, very bad, very wrong... there’s no reason why someone should be popping off like that.” [03:41]

The shooting results in the death of Manuel Paez Teran, known as Tortuguito, sparking immediate grief and outrage within the activist community.

Vienna Forrest and the Aftermath

As the raid intensifies, Vienna Forrest is navigating her own challenges. Her van, commandeered by police during her arrest, is en route to the repair shop when she receives alarming news about the shooting.

• Vienna’s Realization (07:02 – 07:19):

  “I get a text from someone who wasn't even in state. A friend sends me this news article saying police officer shot, protester dead.” [07:02]

The fatal shooting forces Vienna and the broader activist community to confront the stark reality of their struggle against state forces.

Belquis Torte’s Quest for Justice

Belquis Torte, Tortuguito’s mother, becomes the emotional centerpiece of the episode. Upon learning of her son's death, she faces immense grief compounded by a lack of transparency from authorities.

• Belquis’s Determination (18:21 – 19:55):

  “He was killed by a system... I believe that very strongly, God law is not to play around, to fool around. So I'm peaceful on that.” [36:15]

Determined to uncover the truth, Belquis secures an emergency visa to the United States and seeks legal representation to challenge the police narrative.

Legal Battle and Uncovering the Truth

Jeff Filipovitz, an attorney specializing in cases against police and government misconduct, takes on Torte’s case. Through his investigation, he uncovers significant inconsistencies in the official account of the shooting.

• Jeff’s Insights (20:07 – 24:09):

  “It was an alarming escalation and I wanted to make sure that the voice that was out there was calling attention to what was going on...” [20:30]

Filipovitz obtains a private autopsy revealing Manuel sustained 57 gunshot wounds and that Tortuguito's arms were raised during the incident, contradicting the police's self-defense claim.

Public Protests and Escalation

In response to Manuel’s death, protests erupt across Atlanta, demanding accountability and justice. The movement intensifies, with calls for reciprocal action against police forces.

• Protest Dynamics (12:00 – 15:04):

  “We all kind of had our speculations at the time and we didn't want to confirm it quite yet cause it’s only been a few hours...” [08:48]

Violent confrontations during protests, including the burning of police vehicles, highlight the deep-seated anger and frustration within the community.

Official Narrative vs. Activists’ Doubts

The release of bodycam footage by the Atlanta Police Department (APD) further complicates the narrative. Filipovitz and the activists find the footage inadequate and filled with gaps, raising suspicions of a cover-up.

• Critical Analysis (32:26 – 34:45):

  “It's strange that an officer would say that, right? Why? Why would that officer say that so quickly...” [34:10]

The GBI’s delayed and minimal disclosure of evidence fuels skepticism and questions about the true nature of the police actions during the raid.

Press Conferences and Continued Struggle

Despite multiple press conferences and statements from law enforcement, Filipovitz and Belquis Torte remain unsatisfied with the lack of concrete information. The District Attorney’s office ultimately clears the officers involved, deeming their actions as “objectively reasonable.”

• Belquis’s Final Stand (35:46 – 36:47):

  “I don't think he was killed by people. He was killed by a system...” [36:15]

Belquis emphasizes that the true culprit is the systemic abuse of power, not individual officers, highlighting the ongoing battle for justice and transparency.

Conclusion and Ongoing Battle

The episode concludes with the unresolved tension between activists seeking truth and a state apparatus intent on maintaining its narrative. The community’s weariness reflects a deeper mistrust in law enforcement and the justice system, setting the stage for continued resistance and advocacy.

Upcoming Tease: The next episode promises to delve deeper into the hidden aspects of the investigation, exploring what lies beneath the surface of the official accounts and the activists' relentless pursuit of justice.

Notable Quotes

• Sarah on the raid’s aggression (00:39):

  “GI Joes coming for us from across the woods... infiltrating an enemy camp.”

• Belquis Torte on systemic oppression (36:15):

  “I don't think he was killed by people. He was killed by a system...”

• Daniel Torte challenging the narrative (28:36):

  “Domestic terrorist. Before and after Manuel's death... where does that end?”

• Jeff Filipovitz on police tactics (24:09):

  “What kind of bullets were in each gun? How many bullets were fired by each officer?”

Final Thoughts

"In Love and Rage" encapsulates the profound emotional and societal impacts of state violence against activists. Through personal narratives and investigative insights, the episode underscores the enduring struggle for accountability and the quest for truth in the face of systemic obfuscation.

For those seeking a deep dive into the complexities of activism, state resistance, and the human cost of political conflict, "In Love and Rage" offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration.

This summary captures the essence of Episode 4, "In Love and Rage," providing a comprehensive overview for those who have yet to listen.