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As it happened | Newnan neo-Nazi rally and counter protests

Here is 11Alive's blog and coverage of Saturday's rally.

NEWNAN, Ga. -- Ground zero is Greenville Street Park -- where neo-Nazi groups have secured a permit for a rally set to begin at 3 p.m. Saturday. People in opposition of that rally have organized a counter-rally.

11Alive has crews in the city. Check back here for updates.

5:08 p.m.

Neo-Nazi demonstrators have left Greenville Street Park and returned to their staging area.

5:02 p.m.

The rally has ended and speakers and public address systems are being taken down.

5:00 p.m.

The permit for the neo-Nazi rally in Newnan has ended, but speeches are continuing.

4:38 p.m.

Speeches continue in Greenville Street Park, as about three dozen neo-Nazi protestors are holding a rally in downtown Newnan.

4:22 p.m.

Speeches have begun in Greenville Street Park, as about three dozen neo-Nazi protestors have gathered in the center of the park.

4:06 p.m.

About 35 neo-Nazi demonstrators marched in unison down the main street of Newnan once they were all cleared through the police checkpoint, moving toward the park where they had their permit.

Credit: WXIA
About three dozen neo-Nazi demonstrators marched through the streets of downtown Newnan

3:57 p.m.

The neo-Nazi groups have arrived in downtown Newnan and are passing through the checkpoints near the park area.

Neo-Nazi demonstrators gather in downtown Newnan on April 21, 2018

3:48 p.m.

When contacted by 11Alive News for comment on possible arrests in Newnan, Coweta County Sheriff Mike Yeager said, "This is Newnan's show."

Yeager offered no additional comment. He also refused to comment on any arrests.

3:45 p.m.

One shirtless individual could be seen being escorted away after being cuffed by authorities in Newnan.

Credit: WXIA
At least one person was arrested and escorted away by authorities in Newnan. 

3:40 p.m.

11Alive Photojournalist Luke Carter says he has been informed that the neo-Nazi groups have arrived in Newnan, and will be in range of his camera shortly

3:30 p.m.

Multiple groups have gathered with signs and are shouting along once side of the main street. In the center of the street, a line of police officers is standing alongside a solid barricade. On the opposite side of the street, in Greenville Street Park, no one can be seen.

Credit: WXIA
Counter-protesters and police officers can be seen opposite an empty Greenville Street Park in Newnan. 

3:14 p.m.

Chopper shots over Newnan's Greenville Street Park, where neo-Nazi groups have secured a permit for a protest beginning at 3 p.m., show an empty space. A line of police officers can be seen along the street bordering the park. A number of counter-protesters can be seen on the opposite side of the police line.

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