Protesters in Atlanta faced off against police on Monday during a demonstration against the construction of a new public safety training center, known as “Cop City”. The protest, which has been ongoing for more than two years, saw over 500 activists march from a park to the facility's site in suburban DeKalb County. As tensions escalated, police resorted to firing tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowd.

The clash occurred after protesters, some wearing masks, goggles, and chemical suits, attempted to push through a line of officers in riot gear stationed on a road outside the construction site. In response, the officers pushed back and deployed tear gas. One protester even threw a tear gas canister back at the police.

The scene was heavily fortified, with state troopers and the DeKalb County police department guarding the site. Armored vehicles and barbed wire were also in place as security measures, in anticipation of the protests turning violent.

The "Block Cop City" movement has gained traction among activists who argue that the construction of the training center will lead to increased police militarization. They also express concerns about the environmental impact on the South River Forest, an area predominantly inhabited by low-income Black residents.

Prosecutors have labeled the protest movement as a conspiracy and claim it has fostered criminal activity, including possession of fire accelerants and the throwing of Molotov cocktails at police officers. However, no arrests were made during Monday's demonstration, and no injuries were reported.

Supporters of the project, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, argue that the $90 million, 85-acre facility is necessary to replace inadequate training facilities and boost the recruitment and retention of police officers.

The clash between protesters and police on Monday is the latest incident of violence in the long-running opposition to "Cop City." The construction of the training center continues to be a contentious issue, highlighting the ongoing debate over law enforcement practices and community demands for change.