As Donald Trump becomes the first former U.S. President to ever face criminal charges, authorities in Atlanta remain on alert for possible protests.
Trump is being arraigned today in New York City after an investigation into hush money payments to a porn actress.
The ex-president called for his supporters to "protest, protest, protest!" upon learning that he faced possible indictment in New York. He exclaimed on his social media platform that "We must save America!"
Around the Georgia state capitol in downtown Atlanta there are gates and others barriers installed along the outside of the building.
The Georgia State Patrol has said that it is monitoring all intelligence and is "working appropriately and cooperatively" with local and other state law enforcement agencies.
Heightened security measures have been in place in Fulton County since the start of the special grand jury investigation into Trump. He is accused of trying to change the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. His connection to the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot and possession of classified documents are being investigated by the Justice Department.
Atlanta police said in a statement that they stand ready to respond to demonstrations "to ensure the safety of those exercising their First Amendment right, or to address illegal activity, should the need arise."