Protesters set fire Saturday to the Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks had been shot and killed by police a day earlier, burning it to the ground.
As has been the case in many cities in recent weeks, what began as a peaceful protest in Atlanta gave way to more violent actions overnight. (RELATED: Atlanta Police Chief Resigns After Suspect Shot During Struggle)
According to local Fox affiliate reporter Alex Whittler, the situation first began to escalate as protesters attempted to block the interstate.
Protesters rally against racial inequality and the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. June 13, 2020. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage
Just heard a large boom.
Protesters who’ve been peaceful all day tell me someone just slashed tires on a police car.
Police deployed tear gas.
People are angry. @FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/e2tgIxiASm
— Alex Whittler (@AlexWhittler) June 14, 2020
RIGHT NOW: Protesters are climbing up a hill and onto the interstate. The situation escalated when someone vandalized an #apd cruiser and police deployed tear gas @FOX5Atlanta #RayshardBrooks pic.twitter.com/HDMpKf7O7w
— Alex Whittler (@AlexWhittler) June 14, 2020
Once the interstate was fully shut down, others set their sights on the Wendy’s where Brooks had been shot, first apparently attacking it with fireworks and then setting it ablaze.
#BREAKING Protesters have shut down I-85 near University ave, the highway that stretches over the Wendy’s where #RayshardBrooks was shot and killed @fox5atlanta pic.twitter.com/UxzLzpF5Ym
— Alex Whittler (@AlexWhittler) June 14, 2020
There goes @Wendys on University Ave.
I had to step away for my own safety but here is a look at rioters right before they lit a firework in the Wendy’s where #atlantapolice shot and killed #RayshardBrooks @FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/rR0XdDkaBk
— Alex Whittler (@AlexWhittler) June 14, 2020
#UPDATE Wendy’s is officially on fire. @FOX5Atlanta https://t.co/5GyvNd39BR pic.twitter.com/1irEI4rJif
— Alex Whittler (@AlexWhittler) June 14, 2020
The restaurant was reportedly a total loss.
HAPPENING NOW: The Wendy’s has been completely destroyed by fire. WATCH LIVE: https://t.co/izwmSdUyF3 pic.twitter.com/USCAALQvW3
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) June 14, 2020
While peaceful protests continued throughout the night, over 30 protesters were reportedly arrested in Atlanta Saturday.
#BREAKING— 36 arrest during protests in the city of Atlanta Saturday night @FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/rBoDxnpyub
— Alex Whittler (@AlexWhittler) June 14, 2020