Atlanta Security Guard Loses Job Following Altercation with City Council Member
An unusual incident in Atlanta has left a former security guard jobless following an unexpected confrontation with a city council member at Oakland Cemetery. The confrontation, which involved Atlanta City Council member Liliana Bakhtiari, unfolded unexpectedly, sparking a mixture of perspectives from both parties involved.
The Incident at Oakland Cemetery
It all began when Antony Montfort, a security guard at Oakland Cemetery, was on duty the evening of October 4, tasked with ensuring the premises were clear by closing time. According to Montfort, he was simply doing his job by addressing the presence of Bakhtiari and her group, who were enjoying a surprise wedding engagement celebration. The encounter occurred around 8:30 p.m., a time when Montfort insisted the cemetery was already closed.
Montfort recounted the chain of events, explaining that his actions were prompted by orders from his supervisor. He approached the councilwoman and her companions, urging, “Pack it up, pack it up! It’s time to go,” as the grounds are supposed to be “open from dawn to dusk year-round”, according to the cemetery’s website.
Clash of Perspectives
The situation spiraled when Montfort alleged that Bakhtiari became aggressive and pushed him, even knocking his hat off. “I don’t care if I screamed at you in your face … You still had no right to put your hands on me,” he stated emphatically. Another security officer present backed up Montfort’s narrative, maintaining that he never made any physical contact with Bakhtiari.
For her part, Bakhtiari shared a contrasting recollection of the event. She expressed to the police that Montfort’s approach, accompanied by a lit cigarette, was unexpectedly aggressive and alarming to the group, causing them to feel threatened. She emphasized that she couldn’t ascertain if Montfort was carrying a weapon and pushed him solely to safeguard her friends. Furthermore, she acknowledged that another security officer had assisted them in departing the cemetery safely.
Subsequent Fallout
Following the incident, Montfort found himself terminated from his position and prohibited from working on any city properties in Atlanta. Expressing his frustration and disappointment, Montfort remarked, “I’m out of a job. I’m out of a job. Now, I have nothing.” Determined to seek justice, he expressed intentions to pursue legal action against the security company, the City, and Bakhtiari herself. “I want to see them pay. Yeah, I’m suing,” Montfort declared.
The Aftermath and Reflections
The city council member, not directly reachable for more comments, later took to social media to address the incident. In a reflective statement, she conveyed her regret regarding “how the situation unfolded”, taking responsibility for her actions while expressing hope that future protocols would focus on de-escalation techniques.
The aftermath of this unexpected altercation leaves lingering questions about safety protocols and effective communication strategies, especially in public settings. As both Montfort and Bakhtiari proceed with their respective courses of action, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly a routine encounter can turn into a significant personal and professional challenge.
This episode in Atlanta underscores the importance of understanding, communication, and de-escalation in situations that can rapidly escalate, affecting lives and careers.
