Georgia Squatters Seize Homes with AR-15s, Host Parties

A peaceful neighborhood in Decatur, Georgia, has been overrun by squatters who arrived armed with AR-15s, turning former family homes into scenes of anarchy. Since last May, vagrants have targeted houses, with one family devastated when their late father's $500,000 home was seized less than 48 hours after his death. The squatters allegedly broke in, removed security systems, and moved in swiftly, even hosting a "VIP" pool party.

Squatting has become a significant issue in the Atlanta metro area, with an estimated 1,200 homes hijacked in 2024 alone. Residents report living in fear as more properties, often owned by corporate landlords and left vacant, are targeted. The family whose home was seized discovered the squatters produced a lease, a tactic that, under previous Georgia law, prevented immediate eviction by police. This sophisticated operation highlighted how squatters exploit legal loopholes.

Fortunately, the family utilized Georgia's recently enacted Squatter Reform Act, which criminalizes squatting and expedites legal processes, allowing police to intervene more effectively. While one alleged squatter faces court, the seized homes were left trashed with drugs and weapons. This situation underscores the challenges and evolving legal landscape surrounding property rights and squatting in Georgia.