Sunday, 23 people were charged with domestic terrorism following the invasion of a police and fire training complex in Atlanta by more than 100 protestors dressed in black.
Police reported burning automobiles and shooting fireworks at nearby policemen.
35 individuals were arrested by the Atlanta Police Department for throwing bricks, large rocks, and Molotov cocktails at police officers.
Atlanta ‘Cop City’ Protests
At a midnight press conference, Atlanta police Chief Darin Schierbaum claimed no cops were harmed but several pieces of construction equipment were set on fire.
A 26-year-old man named Tortuguita was fatally shot and a state trooper was injured in January at a proposed training facility named “Cop City.” Authorities deemed it an act of self-defense.
Atlanta police charged 23 people with a site attack on Monday. Authorities accused them of domestic terrorism.
Authorities asserted that all but two of the suspects are from out of state. 18–48-year-olds were charged.
We will not tolerate these actions, Schierbaum told reporters. Attacking law enforcement and damaging equipment is illegal.
According to the police, the $90 million project will accommodate police, fire, and emergency first responders, as well as classrooms, a shooting range, and a simulated hamlet.
However, those protesting against the project perceive it as an endeavor to militarize Atlanta’s police and a blow to the area’s ecosystem, both of which should be safeguarded.
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Authorities Expect Further Protests
Since late 2021, protestors have occupied the region they disparagingly dub “Police City” in an attempt to block the project. However, the site has attracted additional attention since protester Manuel Esteban Paez Terán, or Tortuguita was killed on January 18 when he fired and injured a state trooper while authorities evacuated demonstrators from the forested site.
A combination of law enforcement authorities argues that the extremists frighten project personnel and endanger the local population.
Multiple law enforcement agencies were deployed to the area and several persons were apprehended, according to the police, who added that nonlethal enforcement was employed to make the arrests.
Other local agencies including the Georgia State Patrol aided Atlanta police officers throughout the incident, according to Atlanta police. Atlanta police stated that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the FBI were also notified and are working on the investigation.
The Atlanta Police Department stated that authorities had scheduled additional protests for this week.
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