Newnan weathers neo-Nazi protest

NEWNAN, Ga. - Concerned a planned neo-Nazi protest might spark trouble in Newnan, authorities dispatched nearly 700 law enforcement officers from 42 local and state agencies.

In the end, the event organized by the National Socialist Movement barely attracted two dozen participants, and the hundreds of counter protesters largely outshouted them.

Authorities said 10 counter protesters were arrested on misdemeanor charges. The city literally pulled the plug on the white supremacist group as soon as their permit expired at 5 pm, turning off the power to the group's sound system.

Several downtown businesses closed early in anticipation of trouble. One merchant who typically closed on Saturdays said he showed up to guard his store from any potential mischief.

The National Socialist Movement paid $50 to rent the Greenville Street Park from 3-5 PM.

The city is expected to pick up the cost of security which is undermined at this time.