ATLANTA — A group of nearly 100 protesters used rocks, spray paint and fireworks to cause extensive damage Sunday morning to the Atlanta headquarters of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, officials said.
While it is the headquarters for Georgia State Patrol, it also houses several other state agencies.
A DPS spokesperson told WSB-TV that a group of 60 to 100 protesters dressed in dark clothing came to the headquarters around 1:05 a.m. They brought rocks, spray paint and fireworks with them, according to the spokesperson.
More than a dozen GBI investigators are here outside Georgia State Patrol HQ in SE Atlanta where there is significant damage. Windows are smashed and that's not even the extent of the damage. Working to learn more and will have an update at 6am on Channel 2. pic.twitter.com/KT0JdVE97t
— Lauren Pozen WSB (@LaurenPozenWSB) July 5, 2020
Windows were smashed in the office and main entrance, and there was damage to a DPS car. The building was also tagged with graffiti.
The DPS reported someone also threw fireworks through one of the windows and caused a small fire. Two DPS employees were treated for smoke inhalation.
The cost of the damage is unknown at this time. A couple of people were detained at the scene. It is unclear if they were officially arrested.
Georgia Department of Public Safety building was vandalized over night. Troopers say around 1am, a group of protesters approached headquarters – armed with rocks and spray paint and went on to cause extensive damage. Live report in under 9 mins from the scene. pic.twitter.com/lJYMIFj9Du
— Lauren Pozen WSB (@LaurenPozenWSB) July 5, 2020
Cox Media Group