A joyful opening weekend at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Georgia, on Saturday, March 3, 2024, turned into a scene of disorder and violence. A large unruly crowd led to a critical shooting incident involving a 15-year-old boy and the police.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation disclosed that the Cobb County Police Department (CCPD) was called to control a crowd of approximately 600 people near the park entrance. This happened after several disturbances erupted among exiting park visitors.
Following these altercations, several individuals began firing guns, causing damage to an unoccupied CCPD police vehicle. Law enforcement then chased the alleged gunmen into a nearby wooded area. During this pursuit, an officer fired his weapon, hitting a 15-year-old boy named Syere Littlefield from College Park, Georgia, critically injuring him. Littlefield was rushed to Grady Hospital for treatment.
Authorities found a handgun near the location where Littlefield was injured.
According to the CCPD, Littlefield is facing charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm during a crime, possession of a firearm by a minor, and tampering with government property.
In response to the incident, Six Flags Over Georgia issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to security and enjoyable experiences for visitors. The park mentioned its advanced security and metal detection technologies, a substantial Public Safety Department, and the support of the Cobb County Police who patrol the park and its surroundings. The park insists on strict behavior guidelines for visitors.
Six Flags also clarified that the shooting took place on South Service Road, a location not owned or managed by the park.
It is worth noting that during the opening weekend of the park in 2023, several disturbances among visitors occurred, leading to the expulsion of many teenagers.
In recent years, many amusement parks in the U.S. have implemented measures aimed at teenage visitors to prevent disturbances and ensure safety. Parks like Kings Island in Ohio, Great America in California, Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri, and Knott’s Berry Farm in California require visitors under 15 years of age to be with a guardian who is at least 21 years old.
Parks such as Cedar Point in Cleveland, Ohio, and Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon, Michigan, suggest that minors under 18 should visit with an adult. Meanwhile, Disneyland and Disneyworld require guests under 14 to be accompanied by someone aged 14 or older.
It seems that Six Flags Over Georgia has not enacted any particular chaperone policies.
Visitors to Six Flags on Sunday experienced a noticeably quieter atmosphere. Barbara Goss, a season pass holder, noted fewer crowds and several closed rides, contributing to the day’s calmness.
