On Thursday afternoon, Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed addressed the constiuents of his city to inform them that the case of a young Black teen found hanging from a tree in Piedmont Park had 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.”
Shortly before 5 a.m. on Thursday morning, officers were called to the park where they discovered the unidentified body hanging by a rope.
More Black Men Killed by Police; When Will It End?
According to the Fulton County medical examiner, the initial cause of death has been ruled a suicide although an autopsy has not yet been performed.
On social media, the news of the incident has been referred to as the #PiedmontParkHanging, a “modern day lynching” of sorts.
Someone decided to kick it old school and straight up lynch a man at #PiedmontPark in Atlanta, GA
— Ash Bee (@Hey_AshB) July 7, 2016
Welcome 2016. #PiedmontParkHanging
The KKK passed out flyers last night at Piedmont Park & the next day we wake up to a black man hung at Piedmont Park #PiedmontParkHanging
— Ijeoma (@Dr_Abuajah) July 7, 2016
Public outcry and demand for answers prompted Mayor Reed to ask for people’s patience.
“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 situation,” he added. “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.”
WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.