The "night of rage" announced by Antifa for Friday night in Atlanta was unleashed Saturday in the city. Far-left activists linked to the organization clashed with police, lit a patrol car on fire and caused serious damage to public property and establishments throughout the city. At least six radicals were arrested during the riots. The mayor, Andre Dickens, confirmed that those arrested were carrying explosives.
Atlanta Police have arrested 6 people so far, some of whom were carrying explosives. These individuals meant violence and used the cover of peaceful protest to conceal their motives. Our law enforcement teams were prepared and resolved the situation swiftly. pic.twitter.com/tUds0W4abJ
— Andre Dickens (@andreforatlanta) January 22, 2023
"Retaliation" for the death of a man who injured an officer
Several leftist groups called for people to take to the streets to protest a proposed police training center and the death of an activist shot by police last Wednesday after shooting and wounding an officer. On Wednesday night, altercations broke out following a "vigil" in honor of the deceased shooter, and violent protests were called "to honor our fallen comrade."
However, according to the local press, Saturday's protests were supposed to be "peaceful," according to the organizers, something that the header banners ("They Can't Kill Us All") and the chants of the protesters soon called into question. The initial "No Justice, No Peace, No Killer Cops" and "Stop Cop City" were soon joined by "Stop Police Terror," "Release the Activists' and "Drop the Charges," in addition to a forceful "If They Build It, We Will Burn It Down."
🚨#BREAKING: Violent protests have been reported in Atlanta
Violent protests have erupted tonight in Atlanta after police killed a man on the 18th. There are reports of police cruisers on fire and rocks being thrown as activists call for a “Night of Rage”. pic.twitter.com/qKTc20g79n
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 22, 2023
Throwing fireworks at the police
According to local media, everything went awry when protesters threw fireworks and bricks at the office of the local police foundation. From there, they lit a patrol car on fire and the protesters began to attack the police, break windows of the surrounding establishments and damage public property. Law enforcement quickly intervened in what looked like a battlefield in the streets of Atlanta.
Antifa insurrection in Atlanta tonight over a new police training facility pic.twitter.com/pfO8PRun1F
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 22, 2023
