US: Riot police disperse rival protesters in Stone Mountain (Georgia state) August 15 /update 2

Event

Police dispersed right-wing demonstrators and counter-protesters on Saturday, August 15, gathered in Stone Mountain (Georgia state), an Atlanta suburb, after scuffles between the two were reported. According to media sources, several dozen right-wing demonstrators staged a rally near Stone Mountain Park, which hosts a Confederate memorial of leaders of the breakaway slave-holding states. Hundreds of counter-protesters supporting the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement also gathered there on Saturday. Reports indicate that scuffles broke out between the two protesting sides and right-wing demonstrators fired pepper spray towards the counter-demonstrators. Riot police and National Guard troops responded and dispersed the rival protesters, no arrests were reported. Park authorities closed Stone Mountain Park to the public on Friday, August 14, ahead of the demonstration. Reports indicate that authorities warned people to avoid the area, amid tensions over the Confederate monument present in the park and possible clashes between rival demonstrators.

Further associated demonstrations are possible in the area in the near term. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are possible in the vicinity of all demonstrations.

Advice

Those in the area are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations or large gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.