This is a live feed from a clash between a Nazi march and counter protest in Newman, GA, via Facebook.
The town has been bracing for this, and so have state and local officials and law enforcement.
More than 400 federal, state and local law enforcement personnel will be on hand in Newnan Saturday as a neo-Nazi rally, along with counter-protesters, descend on the Coweta County city.
“Our No. 1 priority is the safety of our people and their property,” said Newnan Police Chief Douglas ‘Buster’ Meadows, while discussing what they plan to do to prevent another violent incident like the one last year in Charlottesville, Va.
The National Socialist Movement has received a permit to hold their rally from 3 to 5 p.m. in Greenville Street Park. 11Alive called the man organizing the rally, Jeff Schoep of the National Socialist Movement, whose address on the city permit is only a post office box in Detroit, Michigan. However, he did not respond to phone calls, emails and texts.
“Every citizen has the constitutional right to express their First Amendment freedoms to free speech and protest, but the racist views of neo-Nazis are completely abhorrent,” he said. “I commend Mayor Brady for his work to ensure a peaceful event and urge the entire Newnan community to stand together to show that there is no place for hate or intolerance in Georgia’s 3rd district.”
Deputy Chief of Police Mark Cooper said their department is working with local, state and federal agencies ensure everyone stays safe.
A family friend lives in the neighborhood and tipped me to the Facebook feed. She is currently hunkered down in her house. If there any updates I will try to post them here.
Hopefully it will remain peaceful and there won’t be any need for updates.
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