Stone Mountain police were forced to step on when a pro-Confederate flag rally was disrupted by counter-protesters Saturday around noon.

About four people began shouting at rally-goers and later pushed their way into the Yellow Daisy parking lot at Stone Mountain Park, claiming the rebel flag supporters were racist.

The volatile situation, in which threats and obscenities were exchanged between both sides, was diffused by law enforcement officials, who created a barrier to prevent any fights.

Stone Mountain Park police increased security presence in preparation for Saturday's Confederate flag rally. DANIEL FUNKE / DANIEL.FUNKE@COXINC.COM
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Verbal exchanges between the two groups carried on until around 1 p.m., when several hundred Confederate flag enthusiasts began a hike up to the top of Stone Mountain. The counter-protestors left the scene with several police officers.

There were no physical encounters during the incident.

Please return to the AJC Latest News blog for up-to-the-minute updates. Check AJC.com throughout the day for the full story.

>>Rebel flag about ‘heritage not hate,’ organizers  say

>>‘They will not erase our history’

>>Caravans of Confederate flag supporters arrive for rally at Stone Mountain

>>Confederate flag supporters claim harassment

>>Stone Mountain Park officials prep for all-day Confederate flag rally

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