Stone Mountain State Park has closed due to hundreds of protesters currently clashing for competing rallies.
— Tyisha Fernandes (@TyishaWSB) April 23, 2016
The park released the following statement:
Stone Mountain Park is located on state-owned land. The state agency with authority over Stone Mountain Park has issued permits to three groups to assemble for free speech activity on April 23. The state agency established the permit locations at the Yellow Daisy Parking Lot, Confederate Hall Plaza and Lower Lawn. The permit times are from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The groups are exercising their First Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. The opinions and views of the groups permitted to assemble are neither endorsed nor condoned by Stone Mountain Park. The attractions are closed for the remainder of the day. The Lasershow is canceled this evening. The park will resume normal operations on Sunday, April 24th.
Eight counter-protesters had been arrested by late morning for refusing to take their masks off, authorities said.
At least one was seen spraying a Georgia State Patrol officer with pepper spray.
You can literally feel the tension. @wsbtv #stonemountain #ProWhiteRally pic.twitter.com/b4UJv6H1wI
— Audrey Washington (@AudreyWSBTV) April 23, 2016
The Emergency Election Sale is now live! Get 30% to 60% off our most popular products today!