Gunshots ring out as protesters throw Molotov cocktails at ‘Cop City’ site in Atlanta
BREAKING NEWS: Gunshots ring out as protesters hurl Molotov cocktails, setting fire to police watch tower and construction vehicles at ‘Cop City’ site in Atlanta
- Protesters at a proposed police training facility in Atlanta set construction vehicles on fire and burned a watchtower.
- Rioters are said to have thrown rocks, sticks and even Molotov cocktails at police at the scene of the future Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.
- The area is now on lockdown while authorities work to put out the fires.
Protests at a proposed police training facility in Atlanta turned fierce Sunday night as rioters set construction vehicles on fire and hurled rocks, sticks and even Molotov cocktails at police.
The site of the future Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, dubbed Cop City by those protesting its development, is now closed as crews work to put out the smoke and flames.
Authorities say at least one construction vehicle was set on fire during protests Sunday night, and video posted online shows a burning police watchtower.
Police say the protest has since been contained, though many of the protesters dispersed into the woods, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
It is unclear if any arrests were made or if anyone was injured in the flames.
Protesters set fire to a police watchtower at the site of a proposed police training center in Atlanta
Protesters at the venue tweeted how they were listening to music at a concert when police began arresting and accosting people.
Initial estimates suggest that at least 30 people were detained as activist groups ask for money online to pay bail for protesters.
The dramatic confrontation between police and protesters comes as individuals and activist organizations arrive at the proposed ‘week of action’ site to protest its development.
“This is the first week of action since the state has killed someone,” said Marlon Kautz, an organizer with the Atlanta Solidarity Fund. The Guardianreferring to the murder of Manuel Páez Terán by police in January.
Authorities have claimed he opened fire on a Georgia State Patrol trooper during a “clearing operation” of the so-called autonomous zone at the site of the $90 million project.
“The whole character, the mood and the state of the fight has been drastically transformed… [and] it feels a lot more real, to us and to the state,’ Kautz said.
The week of action was set to include a Friday night Jewish Shabbat service, herbal workshops and a “know your rights” workshop.
When the violent riot broke out Sunday night, a Weelaunee Music Festival was scheduled for the protesters who have descended on the woods in recent months.