Immigration enforcement protests are expected to continue in Atlanta this weekend in response to President Donald Trump’s move to send soldiers to suppress outcries in Los Angeles.
If the events attract large crowds, it could lead to traffic snarls around metro Atlanta, though showers and thunderstorms are expected Saturday, when many of the rallies are planned.
State and local law enforcement agencies, along with Georgia leaders, have said peaceful rallies will be tolerated. But violence will not, Gov. Brian Kemp said.
“Crime, vandalism and any threat to public safety will not be tolerated in this state,” Kemp said Wednesday. “We know the difference between utilizing constitutionally-guaranteed rights and committing violent crime.”
Late Tuesday, six people were arrested during a protest along Buford Highway, according to Brookhaven police.
Protest locations
Here are some of the local protests planned for Saturday as part of “No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance.” The organization says protesters will rally against Trump’s policies and “authoritarian excess” as part of a larger effort happening across the country.
- Atlanta: 10 a.m. at Liberty Plaza across from the Georgia Capitol
- Atlanta: 1 p.m. “No Kings” rally is also planned on 17th Street at the Atlantic Station overpass.
- Atlanta: Noon at 3553 Chamblee Tucker Road
- Cherokee County: 2 p.m. in Woodstock. Location will be sent to those who register online.
- DeKalb County: 11 a.m. at Northlake Festival Shopping Center on Lavista Road
- Cobb County: 2 p.m. at the intersection of Johnson Ferry and Roswell roads
- Coweta County: 10 a.m. at South Court Square in Newnan
- Douglas County: noon. The location is private until participants sign up online.
- Fayette County: 3 p.m. at the Old Fayette County Courthouse
- Forsyth County: 1 p.m. at 3650 Peachtree Parkway
- Gwinnett County: 2 p.m. The location is private until participants sign up online.
- Henry County: 12:30 p.m. at McDonough City Hall
- Paulding County: A sign-waving is planned at 3:30 p.m. at Ga. 92 and Jimmy Lee Smith Highway in Hiram
Similar events are also planned in Griffin, Cartersville, Carrollton, Athens, LaGrange, Gainesville, Macon and Dalton.
Weather forecast
There is a roughly 60% chance of showers across metro Atlanta on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
The potential for rain will remain steady throughout the day with peaks in the afternoon. It is also possible that some storms could turn strong to severe, especially as temperatures rise into the mid 80s.
Frequent lightning will be a concern with any storms that develop, and some stronger ones could bring gusty winds between 40 to 50 mph.
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