Atlanta Burns! Peaceful Protest Loses Its Way, CNN Center Vandalized

Atlanta was set ablaze in what would become the beginning of the end of the Civil War some 240-odd years ago, and so perhaps it is only fitting that what we hope could be the beginning of the end of the second Civil Rights Movement could occur here as well.

The scene in the capital of the south was calm for a while.  There were stirring and riveting moments that showed the world what a lovely place that Atlanta could be.

But then came further tension.  Soon, the CNN center would be vandalized.

More images from the CNN Center in downtown Atlanta, from photographer Ben Gray pic.twitter.com/7s8ItQuRYM

— Jennifer Brett (@Jennifer__Brett) May 29, 2020

From there, a cop car ceremoniously torched as some sort of offering to the Gods of human kindness.

#BREAKING: Protesters have set a police car on fire in front of the CNN Center: https://t.co/c8cPBZLATJ pic.twitter.com/0KGIs868MG

— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) May 30, 2020

Former Mayor Andrew Young joined a local news broadcast to shame those who turned the incident ugly, convinced that they were “showing off”.

In all, at least 9 Atlanta Police Department cruisers have been damaged by rioters.

There were bright and shining moments prior to this escalation, however, as a moment of silence from nearby Centennial Olympic Park inspired hope online.

Incredible moment of silence in Atlanta #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter rally. https://t.co/64j5W1e1Tf

— Adrien Salazar (@adrien4ej) May 29, 2020

If we remember anything about this day, let it be that silence, and that beautiful, diverse array of Atlantans.