
Wisconsin Watch partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Read our methodology to learn how we check claims.
Yes.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it charged 23 people with domestic terrorism following an attack on a police, fire and emergency responder training center under construction near Atlanta.
The Atlanta Police Department said: “On March 5, 2023, a group of violent agitators used the cover of a peaceful protest of the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center to conduct a coordinated attack on construction equipment and police officers. They changed into black clothing and entered the construction area and began to throw large rocks, bricks, Molotov cocktails and fireworks at police officers.”
The 23 people charged include two Wisconsin residents: Grace Martin, 22; and Kayley Meissner, 19. No address information was listed.
“Protesters against what detractors call ‘Cop City’ run the gamut from more traditional environmentalists to young, self-styled anarchists seeking clashes with what they see as an unjust society,” The Associated Press reported.
This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Georgia Bureau of Investigation: GBI Charges 23 People with Domestic Terrorism following Attack on Site of Future Atlanta Public Safety Training Center
Atlanta Police: UPDATE: Mugshots and Arrestee Info Added- 3/5/2023 Atlanta Public Safety Training Center Demonstrations
Atlantic Public Safety Training Center: About
AP News: 23 charged with terrorism in Atlanta ‘Cop City’ protest