We Came to the Forest

Episode 6: The Trees Never Forget

Release Date: February 24, 2025
Host/Author: Wondery | Campside Media

Introduction to the RICO Case and Arraignments

The episode opens with the tense atmosphere of a courtroom in Atlanta, where a bailiff enforces strict courtroom etiquette for 57 defendants involved in the Stop Cop City movement's RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) case. Host Matthew Scher sets the scene:

[00:24] Matthew Scher: “In early November of 2023, a bailiff steps into a courtroom in Atlanta and addresses the gallery. Do not say ma'am. No, Judge, you, Honor. Just don't say ma'am.”

Amidst the legal chaos, Vienna Forrest, an activist and delivery worker, faces arraignment. Despite the grim prospects, she finds solace in the solidarity with fellow defendants:

[01:25] Matthew Johnson: “Despite the fucked up scenario of being on criminal court, together like that was our opportunity to be in community with each other and show solidarity in a way that has been taken away from us.”

The Protest March and Police Confrontation

As arraignments proceed, activists from across the nation gather near the Old Forest Defender Camp to march toward the Cop City construction site, intending to plant tree seedlings as a form of peaceful protest. The movement faces significant opposition from law enforcement, highlighted by a formidable police presence:

[03:58] Matthew Scher: “This is an illegal protest.”

The tension escalates when protesters encounter heavily armed police officers equipped with advanced weaponry and technology, including a sonic cannon designed to disperse crowds through intense noise levels.

Deployment of Sonic Cannon and Tear Gas

The confrontation intensifies as sound cannons and tear gas are deployed by police to break up the protest. Host and fellow journalist Hannah Reilly explains the sonic cannon's purpose:

[04:20] Unnamed Officer: “Oh, shit.”
[04:21] Matthew Scher: “A sonic cannon.”

Despite warnings to disperse, protesters rush towards the police shields, resulting in chaos and the rapid deployment of tear gas:

[05:20] Matthew Scher: “And the tear gas. Around me, lying on the ground, I see several activists clutching their faces.”

Legal Battles and the Motion to Submit Torte's Diary

The narrative shifts to the legal strategies employed against the activists. Prosecutors aim to use the late Manuel Tehran's diary as evidence in the RICO case, arguing it demonstrates conspiracy and hatred towards police:

[09:27] Hannah Reilly: “Prosecutors argued that Tehran was a co.”

Vienna Forrest and her team challenge the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to release comprehensive files on Tehran's death, leading to a protracted lawsuit. Eventually, the court mandates the release of these files, revealing a more complex account of the events that led to Tehran's death.

Analysis of GBI Files and Raid Tactics

Delving into the newly obtained GBI files, Vienna and her team uncover the tactical preparations and aggressive strategies employed during the January 18th raid, including the use of military-grade weaponry and the controversial decision to reverse the "no arrest" orders at the last moment:

[14:29] Unnamed Officer: “I just want to clarify here for a second that none of the people in the woods that day had been charged with domestic terrorism...”

Matthew Scher interviews veteran Officer Steve Remick, who criticizes the raid's execution and lack of proper negotiation protocols:

[19:45] Hannah Reilly: “Where are the further commands or further structure of. Of rules of engagement?”

The use of pepper balls—a non-lethal but potentially deadly weapon—raises questions about the necessity and morality of force used against the activists.

Reflections from Participants and Families

The episode features poignant reflections from Vienna Forrest and Matthew Johnson as they grapple with the loss of their comrade, Torte, and the impact of the raid on their lives and the movement:

[46:41] Matthew Johnson: “A lot has been said of Torte, but only to the degree that fits the narrative of whoever is saying it.”

Vienna delivers a heartfelt speech at a memorial, striving to humanize Torte beyond the state's vilified portrayal:

[46:56] Vienna Forrest: “They were a real live person with thoughts, feelings, dreams and of course, flaws. The Tortuguita I knew was fun bubbly, bouncing around the forest with a smile...”

Final Marches and Vienna's Stand

In a culminating march to Gresham Park, Vienna confronts the state's narrative by openly acknowledging the full humanity of Torte, challenging the oversimplified and politicized depictions:

[46:41] Matthew Johnson: “I never want anyone to see them as this one side, this one convenient piece. They were a whole person.”

Her speech emphasizes the need to remember activists as multifaceted individuals rather than mere symbols for political agendas.

Press Conference and the Opening of Cop City

The episode concludes with a press conference led by attorney Jeff Filipovitz and the simultaneous inauguration of Cop City by Atlanta officials. The meticulous coordination suggests a strategic effort to overshadow the movement's resistance:

[52:58] Tommy Andres: “We are going to give you a great tour of the facility. It is built, as you can see, amazingly surreally.”

Mayor Andre Dickens and Police Chief Darren Sheerbaum present the new public safety training center as a model for enhancing law enforcement capabilities, dismissing ongoing protests as no longer a significant threat.

Conclusion: The State's Triumph and Future Implications

Matthew Scher reflects on the effectiveness of state tactics in suppressing dissent and the broader implications for future policing policies nationwide. The relentless push for Cop City, backed by legal maneuvers and overwhelming police force, marks a significant victory for the state but leaves activists disheartened and wary of future confrontations.

[56:56] Tommy Andres: “We have created conditions for a police state, and the road to fascism is lined with people telling you that you're overreacting.”

The episode underscores the deep-seated tensions between activists striving to protect natural spaces and communities, and state forces determined to expand policing infrastructure, highlighting the ongoing struggle for social justice and environmental preservation.

Notable Quotes

• Matthew Johnson on Solidarity:
  “Despite the fucked up scenario of being on criminal court, together like that was our opportunity to be in community with each other and show solidarity in a way that has been taken away from us.”
  [01:25]

• Unnamed Officer on Sonic Cannon:
  “Oh, shit.”
  [04:20]

• Vienna Forrest on Torte's Humanity:
  “They were a real live person with thoughts, feelings, dreams and of course, flaws.”
  [46:56]

• Tommy Andres on Police State Concerns:
  “We have created conditions for a police state, and the road to fascism is lined with people telling you that you're overreacting.”
  [56:56]

Closing Thoughts

"The Trees Never Forget" serves as a profound exploration of activism, state power, and the personal toll of political conflict. Through firsthand accounts, legal battles, and reflective narratives, the episode encapsulates the enduring question posed to all involved:

“What are you willing to die for?”

This compelling installment not only chronicles the events surrounding Cop City but also delves into the broader implications for community, resistance, and the relentless pursuit of justice.