As tensions escalate across the nation in anticipation of the "No Kings" protests scheduled for Saturday, Georgia's leaders are taking a firm stance on maintaining order. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Gov. Brian Kemp has respected the right to peaceful assembly but also warned, "But any violence against law enforcement will be met with quick and heavy accountability." More than 30 gatherings are planned across Georgia, notably a major event at Liberty Plaza near the state Capitol in Atlanta.
Attorney General Chris Carr echoed this sentiment, underlining the distinction between peaceful protest and criminal actions. "All Americans have the right to peacefully protest, but not to destroy property or attack law enforcement," Carr stated, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. With a clear reminder of the potential consequences, Carr added, "Violence for the purpose of changing public policy can be considered domestic terrorism and carry a sentence of up to 35 years in prison."
In a contrasting scene, California has already witnessed chaotic protests where law enforcement clashed with demonstrators protesting ICE tactics under the Trump administration. Images from Los Angeles showing smoldering vehicles underscore the difference in approach compared to Georgia, where no extraordinary security measures have been publicly announced. Meanwhile, in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott deployed thousands of National Guard troops and state police officers, preempting similar protests.
A recent protest in Georgia turned violent when immigration protesters allegedly threw fireworks, and rocks at police officers and their vehicles. While no officers were seriously hurt in these incidents, six individuals were arrested—a scenario Kemp and Carr are likely eager to avoid for the upcoming Saturday protests. Kemp has a history of calling in the National Guard to address violent protests, including those in 2020 and 2023, the latter due to responses to the development of a police training facility often referred to as "Cop City," according to a report by Georgia Recorder.
Juxtaposed to state warnings are the voices of protesters and advocates like Melissa Steach, who expressed her discomfort with the invasive nature of ICE raids. "It needs to stop," Steach told Georgia Recorder, voicing her commitment to stand with affected communities. These upcoming protests under the "No Kings" banner are expected to send a unified message against what participants see as authoritarian tactics by the current administration.
