Atlanta, GA
No horsing around! Mounted units prepare for FIFA World Cup in Atlanta
Mounted patrol units prep for Atlanta World Cup crowds
In preparation for the massive crowds expected for the World Cup this summer, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and Atlanta Police Department have combined their mounted patrol units for specialized joint training. These horses are undergoing intense sensory desensitization to remain calm around loud noises like fireworks and marching bands, ensuring they can safely manage passionate international soccer fans.
Metro Atlanta’s mounted police units are hitting the trails and the pavement, logs and sirens included, as they prepare for a massive influx of international soccer fans this summer.
Hoofing it to the World Cup
What they’re saying:
With the FIFA World Cup just months away, the Atlanta Police Department and the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office have launched joint training sessions to ensure their four-legged officers are ready for the global stage.
The units will be a constant fixture during the tournament, patrolling Mercedes-Benz Stadium, various fan events, and team practice facilities throughout the region.
“We train our horses with the Atlanta horses so they’re all comfortable together as they patrol the different events in the city of Atlanta for the FIFA games,” said Cobb County Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Tim Brown.
A primary goal of the training is desensitization. To prevent horses from spooking in high-energy environments, officers expose them to a variety of intense stimuli they might encounter during matches.
“Whether it be loud noises, marching bands, fireworks, etc.,” said Atlanta Police Lt. Greg Lyon. “So, if you think about a World Cup and passionate fans that will come to the city, we want the horses to be sensitized to those type of stimuli.”
Getting on a high horse
Dig deeper:
Beyond managing the energy of the crowds, the mounted units provide a strategic advantage for law enforcement. The height of the horses allows officers to monitor areas that would be invisible from the ground.
“You’re 10 to 12 feet off the ground, and you can see what others on the ground cannot,” Lyon said.
While the horses are a critical tool for crowd control, officials emphasized that they also serve as approachable ambassadors for the city. Officers say the animals can help bridge the gap between police and visitors, providing a friendlier face for those seeking assistance.
“Let the fans enjoy the horses, maybe we can offer them directions, guide them as they’re trying to navigate traffic,” Lyon said.
Unbridled enthusiasm
What’s next:
The collaboration between the two agencies aims to create a seamless security presence as the eyes of the sporting world turn toward Georgia.
“The horses make a good impact and a good showing for us and the city of Atlanta,” Brown said.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host a total of eight matches, including five group-stage games, a Round of 32 match, a Round of 16 match, and one of the high-stakes semifinals. The first match begins June 15.
The Source: The information in the article comes directly from representatives of the participating law enforcement agencies: Lt. Col. Tim Brown of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and Lt. Greg Lyon of the Atlanta Police Department.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Police are investigating a shooting near an Atlanta park on Sunday night.
Police say a man was shot at 616 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, which is Rodney Cook Sr. Park in the Vine City neighborhood.
The man’s condition is currently unknown.
This is a developing story. Return to Atlanta News First for updates.
Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.
The Atlanta Falcons are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, and they’ll be relying on a new coaching staff to help them get there. But Kevin Stefanski is no rookie; he’s a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, only now he’ll be working with an entirely different group of personnel after coaching in Cleveland since 2020.
In addition to a new coach, the Falcons may have a different starting quarterback as Michael Penix Jr. continues to rehab last season’s torn ACL. He’ll also be competing with Tua Tagovailoa. Together, the Falcons believe they can compete for a playoff spot in the NFC South, but to do so, they’ll need all the help they can get. Unfortunately, the Falcons may not have everyone on hand to start the season.
According to The Athletic‘s Falcons insider Josh Kendall, the NFL is “likely” to suspend edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
Pearce faces three felony charges after an incident with his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Pearce’s charges are for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing the police, and resisting arrest with violence.
“Atlanta now appears to be waiting on the NFL to decide on Pearce. Under the league’s personal conduct policy, commissioner Roger Goodell has wide latitude to impose discipline regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. The league is likely to suspend Pearce. Steelers defensive back Cam Sutton was suspended eight games in 2024 after a domestic violence incident that began as a felony charge but was eventually reduced to a misdemeanor. Goodell could also place Pearce on the commissioner’s exempt list, which serves as an indefinite suspension while the league gathers more information.”
The Athletic’s Josh Kendall on James Pearce
Pearce is coming off an excellent rookie season that saw him record a team-high 10.5 sacks while starting three of his 17 appearances. The 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft looks like he’s poised to be a star. Yet, now the 22-year-old may have to wait to start his second NFL season. The question is how long?
If Pearce is forced to miss time, the Falcons will be counting on others, such as fellow 2025 first-round pick Jalon Walker, to make a bigger impact. The 22-year-old Walker recorded 5.5 sacks, making nine sacks in 15 appearances.
5 Possible Brendan Sorsby NFL Supplemental Draft Landing Spots for Late July
I’ve also heard that Atlanta sees great value in Swain at No. 23, but the Hawks have been signaling for some time that they are prepared (and perhaps even prefer) to trade their second pick in the first round after No. 8 for future draft capital. It sounds as though Atlanta will invite external trade interest for that pick until it is actually on the clock to make the selection Tuesday night.
marcstein.substack.com
-
Missouri2 minutes agoPatrol reports 10 arrests in north Missouri from June 19-21, 2026
-
Montana5 minutes ago
Montana Lottery Big Sky Bonus, Millionaire for Life results for June 21, 2026
-
Nebraska10 minutes agoFour-star wide receiver picks up offer from Nebraska
-
Nevada17 minutes agoArizona wildfires burn thousands of acres as Nevada smoke reaches Kanab
-
New Hampshire20 minutes agoOfficials respond to 'unknown substance' spill at Sunapee Harbor
-
New Jersey25 minutes agoWorld Cup match to impact NJ Transit service during rush hour
-
New Mexico27 minutes agoStables at Tamaya kick-off annual rodeo season featuring rescue horses
-
North Dakota35 minutes ago‘North Dakota 250 Road Trip’ exhibit opens July 1
