Authorities armed with rifles descended on a sprawling north Atlanta mansion to kick out squatters that were possibly associated with the sovereign citizens movement, according to heart-pounding footage.
The Fulton County Marshal’s Department raided the gated 15,000-square-foot home after they were alerted to “unauthorized occupants,” living in the neighborhood.
Video shows the marshals with police shields and long guns scouring the luxurious mansion featuring multiple interior Greek columns. Authorities checked various rooms in the house, according to the footage.
At one point, a law enforcement official can be seen talking to a woman outside; it’s unclear who she was.
The department said it took additional precautions because officials received indications the squatters might identify with the anti-government movement sovereign citizens.
During the raid, authorities also used a drone to survey the massive property and locate any tenants, the marshals said.
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Squatting has been an ongoing problem in the Peach State, particularly in Atlanta.
“While property owners have the right to evict squatters, they must follow legal procedures,” the marshal’s department.
More information on the authorities’ search of the property was not immediately available.