Protests turned violent in Atlanta as demonstrators clashed with police at the site of a planned police training center. The facility, known as “Cop City,” has been highly controversial among activists who have called for its cancellation due to concerns about police brutality and racial bias.

According to reports from The New York Times and Reuters, protesters damaged property and hurled bricks and Molotov cocktails at police officers on the scene. The situation escalated further when a fire was set, causing significant destruction. Over 30 demonstrators were subsequently detained by police, with 35 arrests made in total.

Fox News reported that the Cop City facility itself was set ablaze, though it remains unclear how extensive the damage is. The center was intended to be a state-of-the-art training facility for police officers from across the region, but its construction has faced significant opposition from activists who argue that it will only exacerbate existing tensions between police and communities of color.

The violent clashes have raised concerns over the ability of law enforcement agencies to manage civil unrest in the city. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms condemned the protesters’ actions, but also acknowledged the need for reform in the city’s police department.

As of writing, the situation at the Cop City site remains fluid, with police maintaining a heavy presence in the area. The incident is likely to have significant political and social ramifications in the coming weeks and months, as the city grapples with ongoing protests and continues to reckon with its history of racial injustices.