Atlanta police and the FBI are investigating a ‘coordinated attempt’ by out-of-state demonstrators 

Atlanta police detained eight protestors suspected of throwing Molotov cocktails at policemen escorting construction workers to the site of a new police training center, while the FBI was on the scene amid a “coordinated attempt” to halt the development by actors from at least seven other states.

Atlanta police Assistant Chief Darin Schierbaum told reporters Tuesday at the property in Dekalb County, Georgia, that eight persons had been detained and would face charges ranging from criminal trespassing to obstruction of law enforcement. The event caused no injuries. The FBI was called because the people detained had licenses from Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Virginia, New York, and Minnesota. Schierbaum also stated that “criminal activities” had occurred in Alabama.

“A number of coordinated efforts have been made to halt the construction of the Public Safety Training Center by performing criminal crimes here in Atlanta, Dekalb County, Birmingham, Alabama, and other locations,” Schierbaum stated. “We also welcome the Federal Bureau of Inquiry joining our investigation to put an end to these intimidation efforts and illegal crimes against this Public Safety Training Center.”

“What’s also really worrisome,” Schierbaum told reporters, “is that the majority of those detained here in Dekalb County and other areas have driver’s licenses from Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Virginia, New York, and Minnesota.”

“These aren’t folks that reflect the interests of the community that I stand here representing today,” the assistant chief stated, claiming that the majority of city council members voted in favor of a public safety training facility with outstanding police enforcement, fire, and EMS capabilities.

“By attempting to hurt those first responders today, we will not be intimidated by the actions of a few who do not represent our town and our community ideals,” Schierbaum said.

The assistant chief warned that more people may be arrested if they did not leave the area peacefully.

“We are aware that there are now additional persons on the property. We’d like them to depart. Being on the property is unlawful. There is no public access to this location “He stated. According to him, the site is held by the city of Atlanta and is not a park with public access. Schierbaum also explained why the police training facility is necessary for public safety.

“I’ll simply point you to some recent posts on our website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You’ll witness our cops administer CPR to a newborn who has stopped breathing, you’ll see our officers identify a dementia patient 74 years old who walked from her house and was found within four hours, you’ll see our officers catch murderers and halt active shooters “He stated.

A planned police training center in Atlanta. “They have those skill sets as a result of great, regular training. And we feel that every Atlanta community deserves a professional, well-trained police and fire force “The assistant chief went on. “And we are dedicated to ensuring that they have access to such services.”