A federal lawsuit claims that Atlanta police have unlawfully targeted critics of a police training center, including Jamie Marsicano, who faces serious charges. Marsicano’s lawyers state that their client was wrongfully arrested during a music festival and was not involved in any violence against the construction site.

The lawsuit alleges that authorities arrested protesters pretextually for merely expressing opposition, a practice seen by city officials.

City officials argue that the training center is necessary for improving police facilities and addressing hiring and retention issues.