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Tensions rise after curfew goes into effect on third day of Atlanta protests

A protestor tries to talk the police back amid tear gas in downtown Atlanta as protests continued for a third day. Protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody continued around the United States, as his case renewed anger about others involving African Americans, police and race relations. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal Constitution
A protestor tries to talk the police back amid tear gas in downtown Atlanta as protests continued for a third day. Protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody continued around the United States, as his case renewed anger about others involving African Americans, police and race relations. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal Constitution
By and Marlon A. Walker
June 1, 2020

As a citywide curfew went into effect at 9 p.m., tensions began to rise in Atlanta on the third day of protests in the city over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Near Centennial Olympic Park, police started to advance and fired gas and a mass of people started to flee.

Shortly after 9 p.m., the standoff between demonstrators and law enforcement was near the downtown Ferris wheel.

See the AJC’s complete coverage of the Atlanta protests here.

Officers encouraged people to abide by the curfew.

“Guys you have gotta get back. I’ve gotta get you home. It’s 9 o’clock. Please,” an officer said into a bull horn.

At least one demonstrator echoed the sentiment, asking people to go home and protest again tomorrow.

PHOTOS: Third day of protests in downtown Atlanta

About the Authors

J. Scott Trubey is the economy and environment editor for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He previously served as a business reporter for the AJC covering banking, real estate and economic development. Trubey is also a former investigative reporter, with a specialty in banking, real estate and public corruption. He joined the AJC in 2010.

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Marlon A. Walker is an education reporter covering DeKalb County.

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