Two billboards declaring “No Police, No Peace” have gone up in Atlanta sponsored by the Washington-based Heritage Action for America. Georgia’s capital city was chosen along with New York City and St. Louis, the organization says, because of the shocking jump in murders and shootings occurring.
Billboard at an intersection in Atlanta. (Photo: Heritage Action for America)
The homicide rate in Atlanta is up nearly 150% since the protests following the May 25 killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. And the Atlanta police union has publicly stated that since June officers have stopped policing as aggressively after Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms fired some officers involved in shootings and deprived them of due process.
“Americans want safety, security, and a clear vision for how to quell the violence. I am excited to announce the launch of these billboards … because you cannot have peace without the police,” Jessica Anderson, executive director of Heritage Action for America. In Atlanta, one billboard stands across from CNN headquarters near Centennial Olympic Park and the other is at Peachtree Road East and Paces Ferry Road.
“These cities are facing rising violence, deep cuts to public safety, and the resignation of their top police officers,” Anderson said. “This is a time for all citizens and leaders to come together to support the important work and sacrifices of our law enforcement officers and push back against the left’s campaign to defund the police.”
In fact, several Atlanta City Council members this past summer tried to partially defund the Atlanta Police Department. The motion was defeated by one vote, but it is already understaffed due to record resignations and retirements.
The billboards urge citizens to sign Heritage Action’s Police Pledge, which already has been signed by approximately 100,000 people including Gov. Brian Kemp.
