Atlanta detains 35 people after a confrontation with protesters at a police training center

By Dennis Romero -

Thirty-five people were detained by officers at a developing police training center outside Atlanta after they clashed with authorities Sunday, local police said.

It was unclear if all 35 people were in custody and, if so, what charges were recommended.

The fighting broke out late in the afternoon and was punctuated by a few fires and the sound of firecrackers at the wooded site of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center in DeKalb County, south of Atlanta.

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Police alleged in a statement Sunday night that a group of "outside agitators" showed up, donned black clothing, and mounted a "coordinated attack on the construction crew and police officers."

Construction equipment set on fire. Atlanta Police Department

“They began throwing large rocks, bricks, Molotov cocktails and fireworks at the police officers,” the Atlanta Police Department said.

Part of the attack focused on the construction zone, according to the department.

Organizers and supporters explained that the clashes occurred in the middle of a weekend concert, the South River Music Festival, and that most attendees were allowed to leave by shuttle or in their own vehicles.

The organizers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Atlanta Solidarity Fund, which helps bail out people arrested at protests, tweeted: "Police appear to be targeting everyone at the music festival."

Police said the protesters could have caused "bodily harm."

“Officers exercised restraint and used non-lethal means to make the arrests,” police stated.

On January 18, police fatally shot a protester later identified as Manuel Esteban Páez Terán, but known as Tortuguita.

According to authorities, he opened fire on a state trooper who was injured but is expected to recover.

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Although the shooting remained under investigation, it brought new attention to the ubiquitous anti-downtown demonstrations that have been organized under the banner

.

Protesters say they are concerned both about the center's environmental impact and its symbolism as one of the largest law enforcement training centers in the country at a time when police killings remain a hot topic.