G20 meeting translates to stepped-up security in Midtown

Top diplomats from the world’s largest economies are in Atlanta right now, discussing issues that could shape the world’s economic future.

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The Group of 20 includes the world’s top 20 economies, and discussions here impact wallets all over the country.

Channel 2’s Michael Doudna reports that outside the G20 meeting in Midtown, security stretches several blocks around the event.

As world leaders discuss policy inside, law enforcement outside has built a security perimeter around them.

Barriers like these are closing roads around 11th, 12th and Juniper, all to protect the people making decisions that could eventually reach our wallets.

“We are facing a series of interconnected economic and geopolitical crises, many of which pose severe threats,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in his opening message to the G20.

“We are hosting political events that might determine whether or not another country is purchasing your crops,” said Tom Smith, Emory economist and finance professor.

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With trade and tariffs front and center, the discussions at the G20 can impact everything from fuel to fertilizer.

“These negotiations need to be handled sensitively. Everybody needs to feel like they’re being heard out,” Smith said.

While the talks happen inside, retired Secret Service agent Ray Moore says the security operation outside stretches blocks beyond the hotel.

“Yes, much more than just manpower, you’re different security protocols, drones, vehicles, barriers,” he said.

Moore says authorities create a “protective umbrella” around the hotel, from road closures to flight restrictions — including looking out for drones.

And with some of the world’s top diplomats inside, there is no room for error.

“Bad guys can make a mistake,” he said." We can’t ever make a mistake. We’ve got to get it right 100% of the time."

The G20 meeting continues through Saturday afternoon. Road and flight restrictions are expected to remain in place until it ends.

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