Six people were charged with domestic terrorism following violent anti-police protests in Atlanta on Saturday. The protesters were demonstrating against a proposed public safety training center and the fatal police shooting of an environmental activist. The demonstrations quickly turned violent with rioters smashing windows and setting a police car on fire. All six suspects, ranging in age from 20 to 37 and from out of state, face four misdemeanor and four felony charges, including second-degree criminal damage, first-degree arson, interference with government property, and domestic terrorism.
The misdemeanor charges include rioting, pedestrian in a roadway, willful obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and unlawful assembly. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp confirmed the charges and that most of those arrested were from out of state. The protests followed the fatal shooting of environmental activist Manuel Esteban Paez Teran. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stated that the six individuals traveled to the city to cause destruction and that peaceful protest is a freedom in America, but violent behavior will result in accountability.
