Organizers and residents press Smyrna leaders for safety plans ahead of Bridal and Juneteenth events

Several speakers at the Smyrna Mayor and Council meeting on June 16 urged city officials to publicly commit to safety measures for two upcoming events — the Smyrna Bridal festival and the city's Juneteenth observance.

Skyler Akins, a resident who said he had earlier threatened federal litigation after being denied participation in Smyrna Bridal, told the council he had received hostile online responses and called for explicit action to keep vendors and attendees safe. "Will we be protected when, if something goes wrong?" he asked. "I look at them now. I'm very thankful they put us in here, the Smyrna Police Department. That's a great thing. But will we be protected when, if something goes wrong?"

The mayor said the police chief was aware and had received the information. "He and his department are just like any other event are are making sure that everybody's safe and they have the information that you've sent them," the mayor said, adding that law enforcement would not disclose deployment details but would use the information professionally.

Colin Scheibel, who identified himself as president of the Georgia Log Cabin Republicans, described online threats his group received after attempting to participate. "We have been dragged through the mud ... We have gone through hecking back just trying to get a seat at the table," he said, adding that his members were considering private security because of their safety concerns.

City staff and council members emphasized the permitting and safety arrangements already in place. The consent agenda approved a permit to Special Blends Mobile Bartending to serve beer, wine and liquor at the city's Juneteenth event on June 19 between 5 and 10 p.m., under Parks and Recreation direction; city officials noted alcohol service at a public festival increases the need for security and coordination with police.

The council did not vote on any new security policy at the meeting. Officials said the police department would coordinate event security and that specifics of staffing and tactics would not be released publicly in order to preserve safety.

Residents who raised concerns asked the city to publicly disavow harassment and to bar groups whose stated tactics include surrounding or disabling a booth's ability to speak. The mayor and council encouraged residents to continue sharing information with police and city staff so law enforcement can plan for a safe event.

Akins and Scheibel both said they appreciated the chief's responsiveness; the mayor closed the exchange by thanking the speakers for raising issues with city leaders and confirming that the police department had the materials provided by the groups.