Sandy Springs, Alpharetta on alert for protesters

Sandy Springs Police advised residents through Facebook and Twitter, Saturday, to stay home due to a group of protesters gathering in the city.

Avalon in Alpharetta closed early Saturday, according to Police Chief John Robison in a social media post. The shopping center’s management was concerned about rumors across social media that “violent protests and looting may be coming to Alpharetta tonight.”

Robison said the police department remains in contact and updated by other public safety agencies across metro Atlanta.

On Friday, a peaceful protest in downtown Atlanta over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis turned violent against the police. After midnight, protesters moved to Buckhead and damaged retails shops and restaurants.

The Sandy Springs and Alpharetta announcements received hundreds of comments within an hour of the postings, ranging from residents’ concerned about violence coming to their community, to people wanting to protect themselves and others who thought officials overreacted.

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Adrianne Murchison

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