More than 20 people are charged with domestic terrorism following a violent Sunday attack on a DeKalb County, Georgia, police training center’s construction site, authorities announced.
At least 35 detentions were made in connection with the attack on police and construction equipment at the forest site of the planned $90 million training center unofficially dubbed “Cop City,” according to the Atlanta Police Department (APD), which shared footage of masked agitators throwing incendiary devices and machinery burning.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigations subsequently charged 23 individuals with domestic terrorism, though the vast majority of them are from out of state.
In the news: 6 Atlanta Protesters Identified, Only One From Georgia
“As I’ve said before, domestic terrorism will NOT be tolerated in this state,” Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said Monday. “As we continue to respect peaceful protest, we will also continue to ensure safety in our communities.”
The APD argued the agitators’ illegal acts “could have caused bodily harm.” Authorities had already leveled domestic terrorism charges against 19 people since December for alleged conduct in opposition to the training center, according to the AJC.
In the news: Connecticut Man Arrested In Florida Fleeing Deputies On Motorcycle With Shrooms
Police fatally shot left-wing activist Manuel Teran on Jan. 18 during a clearing operation in the area of the facility in which he allegedly disobeyed law enforcement instructions and fired his weapon.
The incident was followed by violent protesting in downtown Atlanta the following weekend, and Kemp declared a temporary state of emergency afterward, the AJC reported.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here. Signup for our free newsletter by clicking here.