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Approximately 600 law enforcement officers reported to the scene of a controversial rally and counter protest on the Public Square last month. The Nugget has contacted all participating agencies in an attempt to compile an overall price tag for security at the event.
The cost of security, which came in the form of approximately 600 law enforcement officers surrounding the Dahlonega historic downtown square during a controversial rally last month, will have taxpayers from across the state of Georgia covering a price tag that will most likely top $100,000, according to reports.
The Sept. 14th rally, promoted as a Pro-Trump event, was organized by local resident and former KKK member Chester Doles. It was an event that drew scrutiny from local residents and members of the Socialist Coalition of North Georgia in the weeks leading up to the event, as it was heavily promoted on white supremacy websites.
The controversy about the rally’s true purpose sparked rumors of an Antifa response and resulted in the attendance of about 100 counter protesters.
The law enforcement presence on the square was overwhelming as police drones hovered overhead and members of the Georgia Department of Corrections Tactical Squad encircled the Dahlonega Gold Museum
Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard said he believes that the cost was well worth it given all the unknowns.
“I believe it was . . .