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Antifa supporters slammed for mimicking George Floyd's 'I can't breathe' as Atlanta protests turn violent

Many protestors were arrested on site and several screamed 'I can't breathe' while being apprehended

GEORGIA, ATLANTA: Some Antifa protestors have found themselves in hot water after their demonstrations turned violent in downtown Atlanta. On Saturday, January 21, several Antifa protestors dressed in all black entered Peachtree street and marched towards the intersection of Ellis Street. As the protests turned violent, they started destroying public property, such as breaking windows of nearby buildings and attacking police patrol cars. No officers or citizens were reportedly injured.

According to Daily Mail, police have arrested several protestors on site, and while getting arrested they reportedly mimicked George Floyd screaming "I can't breathe." During a press conference, authorities revealed that a total of 6 individuals were arrested and many of them are from out of Georgia, Atlanta. The video of the violence was captured by several social media users and many slammed the protestors for their antics. 

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Atlanta Governor Brian P Kemp wrote on Twitter, “Violence and unlawful destruction of property are not acts of protest. They are crimes that will not be tolerated in Georgia and will be prosecuted fully.” Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr added, “To the Atlanta Media: Peaceful protestors use words. Rioters smash windows, set police cars on fire & shoot law enforcement officers. Stop calling these people protesters.”

Several others soon joined the chorus. “Shut it down quickly! Do not let Atlanta become Portland, Oregon, or Seattle, Washington. Praying for law enforcement and residents.” “Peaceful protest is everyone’s right. Violent riots have no place in Georgia,” another added. Someone suggested, “We don't need this in our State. You need to come down hard on these criminals.” “There is no excuse for this lawless behavior. These are violent and destructive (not peaceful) protests. Any person or group that opposes law enforcement and public safety is the exact reason we need them,” yet another user remarked. 

Meanwhile, after the incident, Atlanta Police Department posted an advisory on their official Facebook handle stating, “Atlanta Police have responded to a group damaging property at several locations along Peachtree St. Several arrests have been made at this time, and the order has been restored to the downtown space. This is still an active and ongoing investigation.” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also gave a statement from his Facebook account, saying, “Atlanta Police have arrested 6 people so far, some of whom were carrying explosives. These individuals meant violence and used the cover of peaceful protest to conceal their motives. Our law enforcement teams were prepared and resolved the situation swiftly. Our teams remain on alert and continue to serve the community.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.