Security stepped up in Atlanta, Plains for Carter’s procession

MORE: Celebrating the life, legacy of Jimmy Carter

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Secret Service has spent the week securing the Carter Center for the events honoring the life of late President Jimmy Carter.

Preparations are also underway with high security in Plains, Carter’s hometown, for his final send-off.

The final farewell to Carter has already brought dozens of people to a makeshift memorial outside of the Carter Center.

“We can come together as a people and mourn a great man,” said Dan Denofsky, who left flowers at the Carter Center.

His official sendoff starts this weekend with a procession from Plains to Atlanta.

“We expect large crowds,” said Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander.

Those crowds will be watched by a security detail made up by a number of law enforcement entities. Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Atlanta Police Department.

Jimmy Carter funeral road closures(Atlanta Department of Transportation)

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The Atlanta Police Department said they want to be visible after an attack in New Orleans killed 15 people and injured 35.

Atlanta News First spoke with former Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant about the incident.

“The City of Atlanta will also take a look and other major cities will take a look at what happened in New Orleans and see how they can fill in those gaps to make sure we don’t have those types of incidences here,” said Bryant.

Meanwhile in Plains, law enforcement from several local and state agencies, led by the Secret Service and the Military t Task Force, were busy reviewing security protocols.

The Sumter Sheriff’s County Office said it has brought on additional staff to fill any gaps for Plains Police.

“Yeah, I mean I noticed there were like three state troopers when we were driving into town, but yeah, it’s definitely scary. I hope, especially since it’s a president’s funeral that people will be more civil,” said Keira Jenkins, who was visiting from Nashville.

The Georgia State Patrol will help with escorting the late president and his family from Plains to Atlanta. They will also be protecting the state Capitol, where the convoy will pause for a moment of silence.