5 Confederate flag backers accused of terroristic threats in Georgia


              FILE - In this June 30, 2015 file photo, a Confederate flag flies at the base of Stone Mountain in Stone Mountain, Ga.  The House is about to put its members on record on whether Confederate flags can decorate rebel graves in historic federal cemeteries and if their sale should be banned in national park gift shops.  The vote comes after southern lawmakers complained that they were sandbagged two nights ago when the House voted — without a recorded tally — to ban the display of Confederate flags at historic federal cemeteries and strengthen Park Service policy against its sale in gift shops.  (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
FILE - In this June 30, 2015 file photo, a Confederate flag flies at the base of Stone Mountain in Stone Mountain, Ga. The House is about to put its members on record on whether Confederate flags can decorate rebel graves in historic federal cemeteries and if their sale should be banned in national park gift shops. The vote comes after southern lawmakers complained that they were sandbagged two nights ago when the House voted — without a recorded tally — to ban the display of Confederate flags at historic federal cemeteries and strengthen Park Service policy against its sale in gift shops. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
photo A protester waves a Confederate battle flag

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. -- Officials say 15 Confederate flag supporters have been indicted following a confrontation with a black family in Georgia.

Douglas County District Attorney Brian Fortner announced charges against members of a group called "Respect the Flag" on Monday.

Authorities say the 15 are accused of making terroristic threats and violating a street gang law. Two men also are charged with battery.

The charges stem from a confrontation between flag supporters and a black family gathered for a child's birthday party in Douglasville, about 22 miles west of metro Atlanta.

Media reports say a group of pickup trucks decorated with flags including the Confederate banner went by the party on July 25. Shouting soon followed.

The indictment accuses the flag supporters of making threats. It says two members also injured a man at a gas station the same day.

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