LISTEN: Hundreds of protesters gathered in Midtown Atlanta ahead of the presidential debate on Thursday night. GPB’s Amanda Andrews reports.

Protestors in support of Palestine rally in Midtown Atlanta on June 27, 2024.

Caption

Protestors in support of Palestine rally in Midtown Atlanta on June 27, 2024.

Credit: Allexa Ceballos/GPB News

On Thursday, June 27, hundreds of protestors gathered at night in Midtown Atlanta ahead of the presidential debate between Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican candidate former President Donald Trump.

Several different political groups gathered in a unified show of support for Palestinians.

Others rallied to bring attention to issues of animal rights, deaths from opioid misuse, and support for third party presidential candidates.

Georgia resident Jena Williams said the war in Gaza is the top political issue for them.

"Social justice matters," Williams said. "But for this — for this election upcoming, Palestine is top of mind because that's where I draw the — I mean, that's the red line for me. I'm not voting for a president who is supporting genocide.”

Many rally attendees voiced a disinterest in voting for either candidate.

The rally was largely peaceful and included very few counterprotesters.