Crowd gathers outside DeKalb jail after protesters arrested at training center construction site

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A crowd of people have gathered outside of the DeKalb County Jail in support of a group of protesters arrested on Thursday morning.

Channel 2 Action News was outside the DeKalb County Jail where all five are being held as a crowd called for their release.

The group of protesters outside the jail lit candles and held signs calling for a stop to be put to the building of the training center, which they have dubbed “Cop City.”

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Earlier, five people chained themselves to construction equipment at the construction site of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. All five were arrested and charged.

The protesters included:

Lalita Martin, 28 of Atlanta - charged with trespassing, obstruction and reckless conduct
Timothy Sullivan, 25 of Burlington, Mass. - charged with trespassing and obstruction
Ayeola Whitworth, 25 from Atlanta - charged with trespassing and obstruction
David Dunn, 61 from Roswell - charged with trespassing and obstruction
Jeffrey Jones, 65 from Smyrna - charged with trespassing and obstruction

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The group representing the arrested protesters said Thursday’s events are in response to an indictment handed up earlier this week and their efforts to get a ballot referendum.

In Tuesday’s indictment, 61 defendants were charged with violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

A handful of defendants also face counts of domestic terrorism, arson and money laundering.

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