The group destroys the state’s public security headquarters, causing ‘extensive damage’

07/05/2020 Business, Sports


The headquarters of the Georgia Department of Public Safety was damaged after a group of apparent protesters tore apart the site early Sunday morning, authorities said.

Between 60 and 100 people dressed in dark clothing approached the DPS building on United Avenue around 1 am, the Georgia State Patrol said in a statement. The building serves as the headquarters of the GSP and houses several other state agencies.

The GSP statement referred to the group as protesters and said many of them wore masks.

Several people were armed with rocks and carrying spray paint and fireworks, GSP said.

“The group caused extensive damage to various windows along the front of the building,” said GSP. A public safety vehicle that was parked outside the headquarters was damaged, and the building itself was “spray painted in various places,” the statement said.

A small fire broke out in a DPS office after fireworks were fired through an open window, according to the statement. DPS personnel at the scene were able to put out the fire.

Two public safety employees were treated for smoke inhalation after the incident, authorities said.