Looted businesses, street fires: New look at damage left behind by Atlanta protests

ATLANTA — Right now, Fulton County is under a state of emergency after protesters started looting from stores and set fires across Atlanta. Gov. Brian Kemp called in at least 500 members of the National Guard.

Channel 2 Action News brought you live coverage throughout Friday afternoon and into the overnight hours as the protests started peaceful and later turned to violence.

As the sun came up Saturday, we got a new look at the damage left behind throughout Atlanta.

Looting and damage had been reported at CNN Center, Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, the College Football Hall of Fame and many other businesses. Here is what our reporters on the ground spotted.

[PHOTOS: Damage in downtown Atlanta from violent protests]

DOWNTOWN ATLANTA DAMAGE

Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach was on Marietta Street by the Omni Hotel and CNN Center. Several Georgia National Guardsmen are stationed in the area as part of the state’s response to the protests.

Crews have already removed the graffiti that covered the CNN Center sign.

Triple Team Traffic has access to dozens of traffic cameras throughout the city. Roads in downtown Atlanta were open around 6 a.m. Saturday.

BUCKHEAD AND PHIPPS PLAZA

Channel 2′s Chris Jose walked around Buckhead, where several businesses were looted.

“There’s repair crews out here. Fixing things up. I’m sure everyone is going to be very tense tonight,” said Howard Shook, Atlanta City Councilman who represents Buckhead.

“Atlanta, non and violent are three words, up until last night, were basically always linked together.”

Vandals threw blocks and landscape pavers. Fires were started at Del Frisco’s, Target and other businesses

Across the street from Lenox Square, fire alarms echoed at nearby shopping plazas. Jose spotted burned mattresses in one store.

Damaged buildings, businesses looted in Buckhead during Friday's violent protests Daylight reveals damage left behind following night of unrest and protests across Atlanta.

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