Paulding County Preparing For Black Lives Matter March Tuesday

Dallas, GA — Paulding County authorities are preparing for the possibility of a Black Lives Matter protest and march from Hiram to Dallas on Tuesday evening.

The Paulding County Sheriff's Office says it learned about the possibility of the march through social media.

If it goes on, it is set to begin at 6 p.m. and travel from Hiram on US 278 west toward the Paulding County Courthouse in Dallas, authorities say.

As of Tuesday morning, the march remained "an unsubstantiated rumor," according to Sheriff Gary Gulledge.

No permits had been requested to block traffic, close a road or hold a rally, he said.

A search of Facebook and Twitter on Tuesday morning didn't reveal anything that appeared to be an official announcement of a march or rally.

"We welcome anyone who wants to peacefully voice their opinion and protest, however we cannot nor will we tolerate lawlessness," Gulledge said in a news release.

Gulledge said he has met with black community members in hopes of encouraging potential protesters to make their voices heard in a way that will not impede rush hour traffic.

Paulding County is working with the Hiram Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Georgia State Patrol and Georgia Bureau of Investigation in order to ensure traffic will not be disrupted and that protesters will be kept safe, Gulledge said.

Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to follow Paulding County Sheriff's Office social media pages or contact the office at (770) 443-3010.