AUSTELL, GA - On the opening day of Six Flags Over Georgia, chaos erupted as a large crowd of 500 to 600 individuals created disturbances inside the park, leading to a violent clash with the police and gunfire near the amusement park in Austell, just outside Atlanta.
Around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, Cobb County police were called to the park to assist security in dealing with a large, unruly crowd that was reportedly running through the park and engaging in fights. The situation quickly escalated, with videos shared on social media capturing the mayhem.
Scenes depicted young people running through the park, one group kicking someone on the ground, and the panic that ensued as multiple gunshots rang out.
As officers attempted to disperse the crowd and ensure their exit from the park, the situation took a dangerous turn when an unknown number of suspects fired at officers. In response, a Cobb County police officer discharged their weapon, striking a 15-year-old individual.
The wounded teenager was rushed to Grady Hospital in Atlanta, where they remained in critical condition as of this writing. A handgun was recovered by the police near the location where the injured teenager was found, underscoring the severity of the incident.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) took immediate charge of the investigation. Preliminary information from the GBI indicated that Cobb County officers were initially responding to help control the crowd near the park's entrance after several fights had broken out among patrons leaving the park. During this process, multiple individuals began shooting, hitting an unoccupied Cobb County Police Department (CCPD) marked patrol car.
Six Flags Over Georgia, in a statement, expressed disappointment at the disruption caused by underaged youth in the community's public events. They clarified that the shooting occurred on the South Service Road, not owned or operated by Six Flags.
Despite this, the park reaffirmed its commitment to safety and security, highlighting state-of-the-art security systems and metal detection. The statement also emphasized that every guest is expected to follow a strict code of conduct, with those unwilling to comply considered unwelcome.
Despite the incident occurring outside Six Flags Over Georgia's premises, concerns about safety and security were raised by witnesses and park-goers. Videos circulated on social media prompted criticism of the park's security practices, with some expressing dissatisfaction with the management's handling of the situation. Calls for improved supervision of teenagers in the park were voiced, emphasizing the need for a more serious approach to guest safety.
In the aftermath of the incident, the community awaits further updates on the ongoing investigation and the measures Six Flags Over Georgia will implement to address safety concerns. The shocking clash between an unruly crowd and law enforcement during the park's opening day has left a lasting impact, sparking conversations about the security protocols in place at public venues.
Authorities continue their efforts to piece together the events that unfolded on that chaotic Saturday evening, leaving the community concerned and seeking reassurance.
A park attendee, Justin Clayton, raised concerns about the management's oversight of unsupervised teenagers in the park.
"I'm relieved I called 911 to bring in actual law enforcement because the so-called 'security' laughed at us when we noticed the fights starting," Clayton shared his experience on Facebook. "It's crucial for management to reassess and prioritize guest safety by making necessary changes!"
Around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, Cobb County police were called to the park to assist security in dealing with a large, unruly crowd that was reportedly running through the park and engaging in fights. The situation quickly escalated, with videos shared on social media capturing the mayhem.
Scenes depicted young people running through the park, one group kicking someone on the ground, and the panic that ensued as multiple gunshots rang out.
As officers attempted to disperse the crowd and ensure their exit from the park, the situation took a dangerous turn when an unknown number of suspects fired at officers. In response, a Cobb County police officer discharged their weapon, striking a 15-year-old individual.
The wounded teenager was rushed to Grady Hospital in Atlanta, where they remained in critical condition as of this writing. A handgun was recovered by the police near the location where the injured teenager was found, underscoring the severity of the incident.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) took immediate charge of the investigation. Preliminary information from the GBI indicated that Cobb County officers were initially responding to help control the crowd near the park's entrance after several fights had broken out among patrons leaving the park. During this process, multiple individuals began shooting, hitting an unoccupied Cobb County Police Department (CCPD) marked patrol car.
Six Flags Over Georgia, in a statement, expressed disappointment at the disruption caused by underaged youth in the community's public events. They clarified that the shooting occurred on the South Service Road, not owned or operated by Six Flags.
Despite this, the park reaffirmed its commitment to safety and security, highlighting state-of-the-art security systems and metal detection. The statement also emphasized that every guest is expected to follow a strict code of conduct, with those unwilling to comply considered unwelcome.
Despite the incident occurring outside Six Flags Over Georgia's premises, concerns about safety and security were raised by witnesses and park-goers. Videos circulated on social media prompted criticism of the park's security practices, with some expressing dissatisfaction with the management's handling of the situation. Calls for improved supervision of teenagers in the park were voiced, emphasizing the need for a more serious approach to guest safety.
In the aftermath of the incident, the community awaits further updates on the ongoing investigation and the measures Six Flags Over Georgia will implement to address safety concerns. The shocking clash between an unruly crowd and law enforcement during the park's opening day has left a lasting impact, sparking conversations about the security protocols in place at public venues.
Authorities continue their efforts to piece together the events that unfolded on that chaotic Saturday evening, leaving the community concerned and seeking reassurance.
A park attendee, Justin Clayton, raised concerns about the management's oversight of unsupervised teenagers in the park.
"I'm relieved I called 911 to bring in actual law enforcement because the so-called 'security' laughed at us when we noticed the fights starting," Clayton shared his experience on Facebook. "It's crucial for management to reassess and prioritize guest safety by making necessary changes!"
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments
2024-03-06T16:56-0500 | Comment by: Fox
What you aren’t coming out and saying is that these “teens” were behaving like rabid thugs. This is happening everywhere when this particular demographic “gathers” no matter the reason for the gathering. And we all know exactly who they are, but dare we say it?? No amount of security at this theme park is equipped to handle the behavior of 500 uncivilized people. And we know they come with guns!! After seeing this unfold no one in their right mind would bring their children to this theme park. They now have a PR nightmare. I wish we could call out exactly who these people are and hold the parents accountable for raising thugs.
2024-03-07T13:10-0500 | Comment by: TJ
Same players as the KC Chiefs parade, nothing to see here, not alleged white supremacists or Trump supporters.
2024-03-07T13:10-0500 | Comment by: TJ
Same players as the KC Chiefs parade, nothing to see here, not alleged white supremacists or Trump supporters.
2024-03-08T15:43-0500 | Comment by: DS
NIGGS !