Georgia lawmaker condemns armed groups targeting people experiencing homelessness near Ebenezer Baptist Church

A Georgia state representative used an afternoon order on March 10 to denounce what he described as vigilante actions against people experiencing homelessness near Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

"This past weekend, these so called cowards descending upon the sacred grounds near Ebenezer Baptist Church," the representative said on the House floor, describing actions that included slashing and destroying tents and leaving people "exposed to the elements." The lawmaker identified an individual and a group by name in his remarks, saying, "We will not be silent while we desecrate the legacy of a church built on the foundation of civil rights." He called for those responsible to be held accountable and for protections for homeless residents.

The representative framed his remarks in moral and religious terms and cited Proverbs in urging compassion: "Whoever oppresses the poor ... shows contempt to their maker," he said. He urged a moment of silence for victims and said the House should not stand idly by.

No formal floor motion, committee referral, or legislative action followed the remarks during the session. The remarks were presented as an afternoon order and reflect the speaker’s call for accountability and protections; the transcript does not record an immediate enforcement action, investigation, or a named law-enforcement response taken on the floor.

The transcript identifies the individual named by the speaker as "Da Vinci Barcelo" and the group as the "Sweet Auburn Front Line Line Enforcement" (quoted as spoken on the floor). The floor statements placed the incident at or near Ebenezer Baptist Church and described tents belonging to people experiencing homelessness being destroyed.