A 'Covid crime wave' is one reason these residents want to break away from Atlanta -- but critics say a split would be devastating for the city
CNN
In Atlanta's well-to-do community of Buckhead, the debate over becoming an independent city has been brewing off and on for decades. Now, amid a spike in crime, calls to split from the capital have grown louder than ever.
"We filed for divorce and our divorce is final," said Bill White, chairman and CEO of the Buckhead City Committee, which is spearheading the efforts for the formation of the city. "We're forming our own city, we're establishing our own police force and we will eradicate crime." The city of Atlanta is facing what Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has called a "Covid crime wave." Homicides are up by about 63% compared to the same time last year and up 43% compared to the same period in 2019, according to late May data released by the Atlanta Police Department. The city has seen more than 300 shooting incidents since the start of the year, up 45% from what it recorded this time last year, and up 55% from 2019, according to the data.More Related News
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