A democratic socialist group has claimed responsibility for anti-Trump messages that were projected on the side of Mercedes-Benz Stadium Monday.
The "(Expletive) Trump" projection coincided with President Donald Trump's visit to the College Football Playoff National Championship game. Metro Atlanta Democratic Socialists of America, which casted the same message on the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Midtown hotel in November 2016, claimed responsibility for Monday's act in a statement.
"The projections are a statement of our anger and disgust with the racist Trump administration but they are also a vision of a more prosperous future for our community — a future where our bodies aren't used for profit in an unjust healthcare system and a future where no one has to live in fear of deportation or racist violence," a statement said. The messages were shown just moments before Trump took the field, according to the group.
The phrases “Dismantle White Supremacy,” “No One is Illegal” and “Medicare for All” were also allegedly projected. Photos of the messages circulated on social media.
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The Atlanta Police Department is aware of the demonstration but was unable to identify who did it, according to spokeswoman Officer Lisa Bender.
Police consulted with stadium officials and the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office on possible charges. However, the department doesn’t anticipate “any arrests being made as a result of this incident,” Bender said.
“While the message may understandably be offensive to some, there was no physical damage to the building and our ability to bring criminal charges would be very limited given current state and local statutes addressing vandalism and damage to property,” Bender said.
In a separate protest to oppose Trump's visit, nearly 100 people gathered in front of the CNN Center at the behest of Refuse Fascism ATL. Leaders unfurled an anti-Trump/Pence banner and led chants through megaphones, while others displayed homemade signs.
When Trump took the field for the national anthem ahead of the title game, he was greeted with a booming chorus of cheers mixed with some boos.
He left the game shortly before halftime.
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