Native LGBTQ bars in Atlanta tighten safety after sequence of incidents – WSB-TV Channel 2

ATLANTA — Whereas Richard Ramey lately reopened fashionable LGBTQ bar, the Atlanta Eagle, in a brand new location in Midtown Atlanta, he additionally introduced one thing else new — extra safety.

“If you wish to go to a drag membership or a drag present, you need to have the ability to try this with out getting killed,” Ramey mentioned.

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ramey mentioned Channel 2’s Justin Wilfon that he determined to crew up with the Atlanta police to maintain his shoppers secure. The choice follows a mass taking pictures at a Colorado homosexual bar final month and one other incident final weekend the place North Carolina police are investigating whether or not vandals who blew up electrical substations needed to show off the ability at a drag present.

Simply two weeks in the past, Atlanta police arrested a person and charged him with making terrorist threats in opposition to two native homosexual bars. APD says the person confirmed up at one of many bars with pepper spray.

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“It is simply actually unhappy. Right here we’re virtually in 2023 and you recognize individuals cannot simply settle for different individuals and allow them to reside their lives with out attempting to intrude,” Ramey mentioned.

Ramey says he employed off-duty APD officers to work at his membership on busy nights, and he says they carry weapons.

ODA mentioned Channel 2 that many LGBTQ bars are actually hiring APD officers to boost membership safety. However Ramey says not all hate considerations will have an effect on his shoppers’ delight.

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“All of this reminds us of the hate that also exists right here in America, however we have to get on with residing our lives and being happy with who we’re,” Ramey mentioned.

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