Atlanta Gay Bar Patrons Claim Police Harassment During Raid

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – A mix of uniformed and undercover A-P-D officers raided the Atlanta Eagle late Thursday night.

Patrons, like Garrett McLendon, say they were forced to the ground and harassed, despite not breaking any laws.

"I heard some officers above me, they were laughing about We ought to do this every week. This is fun!'"

Eight bar employees were arrested and charged with operating without a proper license.

LGBT liaison for the department, Officer Danni Harris, says she was not notified about the raid, but defends the officers involved:

"When you're coming into a dark club that is not well lit, and you have an unknown number of people inside, it is an officer safety concern as well.

APD is investigating the incident. Protesters plan a demonstration Sunday to bring attention to the raid.

Jim Burress, WABE News.