Atlanta

Security tightened at Atlanta Fair in response to gun violence last year

By Courtney Francisco, WSB-TV
By Courtney Francisco, WSB-TV

ATLANTA — Visiting the Atlanta Fair is a tradition for some locals, but operators said Friday you will notice security plans changed this year because of gun violence.

Friday night at the Atlanta Fair, some left earlier than others.

“I wanted to come in the daytime and get out of here at dark strictly for security,” said Joe Hill.

The company that operates the fair, Peachtree Rides, told Channel 2′s Courtney Francisco it added security measures to help people like Hill feel comfortable.

“We want people to know that once they come inside these gates, they are safe. They’re as safe as they can be,” company spokesperson Chad Young said.

Young said the boost in security is in response to a triple shooting a block away from the fair in March of 2022.

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The Atlanta Police Department said someone fired a gun on Pryor and Bass Streets around 9:30 on a Saturday night while people were enjoying the fair.

Bullets hit three teenagers. One of them died. He was later identified as Joshua Adetunji, 16.

“I usually come every year, but when I heard about the shooting, I didn’t want to come,” Hill said.

Hill put her family tradition on hold then. She returned this year for her siblings.

This year, you cannot enter the fair without an adult if you are under 18.

Metal detectors are nothing new at the gates. However, if your bag is bigger than a folded piece of paper, it must be clear.

“Coming in, checking the bags, checking the purse, it was all necessary. It makes you feel like it’s a little safer out here, and they have a lot of police out here. So, overall, I feel safe,” fairgoer Xylina Strowbridge said.

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