President Trump's controversial Russia comments spark local protest

ATLANTA — Dozens gathered in downtown Atlanta for a vigil to protest President Donald Trump.

The president's controversial Russia comments sparked outrage after he appeared to contradict his intelligence officials for a second time when a reporter asked him a question.

Reporter: "Is Russia still targeting the U.S., Mr. President?"
President Trump: "Thank you very much. No."

The White House press secretary had to clarify.

"I got a chance to speak with the president after the comments, and the president said, 'Thank you very much,' and was saying, 'No,' to answering questions," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.

Local community members said they were outraged following the president's comments and decided to march in protest.

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The protesters remained peaceful as plenty of law enforcement officers were present. They delivered their messages loud and clear.

"I am quite unhappy with the state of our country, exclamation point," protester Lynne Gladstone said.

The vigil outside the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Building was one of more than 100 vigils across the country that were part of a nationwide vigil called "Confront Corruption and Demand Democracy."

Jill Myers helped organize the vigil in Atlanta.

"Really, our message tonight is to vote. Corruption hates elections. Corruption fears voters, and our cry tonight is to register to vote," Myers said.

While the protesters chanted, officers with the Atlanta Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security officers watched them closely.

A police department helicopter flew overhead, and the protest remained peaceful.

"We're grateful to the police officers to be here to protect us, and they told us that's what they're here for," Myers said.

Tracy Brooking brought his family from Marietta.

"My daughter wanted to come and my son wanted to come, to make sure their voices were heard, too," Brooking said.

Some of the protesters told Channel 2 Action News that the vigil on Wednesday will not be the last time their voices will be heard. They plan to attend more of these events in the future.

Cox Media Group