Two organizations have offered a $10,000 reward for information in the looting of a Buckhead gun store during Saturday’s protests.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is matching a $5,000 reward offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the federal agency said Friday.
Chuck’s Firearms on Miami Circle was looted Saturday about 2:30 a.m. At least 42 firearms were stolen, which ATF said pose a potential danger to citizens and communities.
"We take this crime very seriously," Arthur Peralta, the special agent in charge of the Atlanta field division, said in a news release. “Firearms trafficking is a serious offense that results in significant federal prison time for the person or persons responsible."
Chuck's Firearms is one of several businesses damaged or looted over the past week of protests in Atlanta. While daily demonstrations against police brutality have started peaceful, some have turned chaotic and even violent.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Atlanta protests
The general manager of Underground Atlanta was viciously beaten Friday when he went to check on his business, according to Atlanta police. Several businesses within the downtown Atlanta shopping district were vandalized and looted.
RELATED: Suspected looters sought in beating of Underground Atlanta's GM
According to the ATF, the reward in the Chuck’s Firearms incident is part of a larger national initiative between the agency and the firearms trade organization to curb the theft and misuse of firearms.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the ATF at 1-800-ATF-TIPS (800-283-8477), ATFTips@atf.gov or through its website at atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit app or by visiting reportit.com.
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