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College Football Hall Of Fame Damaged During Atlanta Protests
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A peaceful march in Atlanta on Friday to advocate for justice in the killings of George Floyd, Ahmed Arbery and Breonna Taylor turned violent, leading to destruction of property, looting and other acts of vandalism.
Among the businesses damaged during the protests was the College Football Hall of Fame, where windows were smashed and the gift shop was looted.
A very tough night for downtown Atlanta. This is the College Football Hall of Fame. #AtlantaProtest pic.twitter.com/K7vt95n8lV— Blayne Alexander (@ReporterBlayne) May 30, 2020
Hall of Fame CEO Kimberly Beaudin said no staff members were injured during the demonstration.
“Our biggest concern was that folks we had on the ground were safe, and they are,” Beaudin told 11 Alive on Saturday.
“We fully support the right for peaceful protest, but this just turned into chaos and disorder so quickly. We couldn't be prouder of our mayor for the things she had to say and we just hope that the city is able to come back together quickly,” she said.
Fred Turner wore this sign while cleaning up outside the college football hall of fame.
“Tearing up our city doesn’t make sense,” he said pic.twitter.com/sAGqSkf6LW— J.D. Capelouto (@jdcapelouto) May 30, 2020
Beaudin said no artifacts or memorabilia were damaged during the riot.
The Hall of Fame was planning to reopen soon after weeks of closure due to the coronavirus, but Friday’s looting and damage could delay those plans.
Several other businesses were damaged during the protest, including Atlanta-area grocery chains, department stores and retail oulets.