ATLANTA — Target is closing a number of locations nationwide, including two here in metro Atlanta, due to ongoing protests over George Floyd’s death.
Both Target stores in Buckhead are part of the 175 stores that will be temporarily closed. The full list, which includes many stores in Minnesota, can be found here.
Target’s headquarters are based in Minneapolis, where former police officer Derek Chauvin is charged in Floyd’s death.
“We are heartbroken by the death of George Floyd and the pain it is causing communities across the country. At this time, we have made the decision to close a number of our stores. We anticipate most stores will be closed temporarily. Our focus will remain on our team members’ safety and helping our community heal,” the company said in a statement.
Target says employees at the closed stores will be paid for up to 14 days during store closures, including coronavirus pay, and also have the chance to work at other stores.
Watch live, up-to-date coverage on the Atlanta George Floyd protests and their aftermath with Channel 2 Action News.
Atlanta Firefighters at the Sidney Marcus Blvd Target. They’re investigating to see if a smoky fire was caused by arson. Vandals hit the same store Friday night and did a lot of damage inside. pic.twitter.com/XUJx07EvBu
— Richard Elliot (@RElliotWSB) May 31, 2020
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During the first night of protests Friday, Atlanta firefighters worked to put out a fire started in the back of the Target at 2539 Piedmont Road. Atlanta fire officials say fireworks were set off in multiple locations as well.
A #fire was started in the rear of the #Target located at 2539 Piedmont Road. Fireworks set off in multiple locations throughout as well. We have contained the fire and are working to remove the smoke. #Atlanta #ATL #PIO pic.twitter.com/k5CbAQANzv
— Cortez Stafford (@CortezRStafford) May 30, 2020
Atlanta firefighters worked to put a second fire that happened in a storage room Saturday night. The department can’t say for sure right now if it’s arson, but fire investigators are on the way to see.
Atlanta Battalion Chief Kendale Mitchell said part of the building may have been left unsecured from Friday’s protests.
“This store was broken into earlier when we were experiencing the protests and the store hasn’t been fully secured all the way. I think they have security on site but may or may not. It’s undetermined if it was a break in at this time or not,” Mitchell said.
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