There's nothing like the summertime heat in the south. As temperatures climb, going outside and having fun in the water is the only way to really cool off.

However, a few local police officers felt the participants taking part in a community water gun fight sponsored by the #GunsDownWaterGunsUp movement were having a bit too much fun in the sun. According to 11 Alive, several officers were called out to a Southwest Atlanta neighborhood on Saturday to provide traffic and crowd control.

Approximately 500 people were on hand for the event and allegedly blocking a busy street, police said. Videos and pictures from the event showed a great atmosphere full of fun and good vibes. There were Georgians from other cities including Athens, Monroe and Augusta on hand for the festivities and camaraderie.

Over the past few months, the #GunsDownWaterGunsUp gained popularity for its core message of peace and harmony. The movement is one of several anti-gun violence initiatives aiming to make Black communities safer.

Yesterday people in Athens held a large water gun fight. The police tried to stop it and this happened…???????? pic.twitter.com/Djtg9Off5d

— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) May 30, 2019

S/O @TroubleDTE
#DTE Leadin the MOB ‼️???????? #GunsDownWaterGunsUp
#Skoob
pic.twitter.com/N1OqVsiPXN

— PiratiGxd Raskal (@Piratigxd) June 2, 2019

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????????????????????Great Vibes Today…. Hundreds of people came to support the Non – Violent movement #gunsdownwatergunsup ???? hosted by @troubledte6 and @us2500_mmb. People from Athens, Monroe, Augusta and different parts of Atlanta were able to come together and have fun with NO DRAMA. This was truly a great moment in time and those who were there surely felt the same. Enjoy the video and "Keep The Peace" ???????????????????????????????????????? #atlanta #athens #monroe #atllife #wshh #wordstar #hot97 #atlantawatergunfight #gunsdownwatergunsup #watergun #watergunfight #nonviolent #positivevibes @atl.watergunfights @blackhollywoodatlanta @meechie_ro @troubledte6 @us2500_mmb @azaeproduction @big__body @flexin_ass_2timez @makdawg__ @moneymade_44 @kevokevo1010 @v103atlanta @hot1079atl Beat by: @youngkio

A post shared by Cameramane Chief (@cameramanechief) on Jun 1, 2019 at 11:17pm PDT

The movement reportedly has a number of similar events across the country in cities like Houston, Richmond and Columbus. Local Columbus rapper Risktaker Red was inspired to host the anti-gun violence water fight after seeing the success elsewhere. His event was also held on Saturday.

“I honestly didn’t think it was going to get anywhere near this big, anywhere near this big. It’s outstanding. I like what the city is doing right now,” he told WTVM.

Among the peaceful crowd at the Atlanta water gun fight, only one negative incident occurred. A woman was reportedly suffering from a medical emergency which required health professionals to appear on the scene.

Police released a statement claiming some were throwing rocks, coolers and climbing on a fire truck Saturday. However, as Channel 2 Action News reported, police made no arrests and no officers were hurt.

"This event appears to be part of an initiative called 'Guns Down Waterguns Up' that has popped up in other cities – similar to other efforts meant to provide entertainment to participants while discouraging gun violence," the statement from police read.

"While we appreciate such efforts, acts such as tying up traffic, damaging property and assaulting police officers and first responders are not acceptable. Saturday’s event quickly grew beyond entertainment and became a safety hazard. We must ensure we take steps to ensure the safety of both our residents and our officers. We cannot allow unwilling participants to be assaulted, no matter how harmless it may appear to those engaged in the game."

A few officers were soaked by some of the attendees but everyone involved remained in good spirits.

By all accounts, the anti-violence event was a community bonding experience that may not have required a heavy police presence.

#Guns-Down-Water-Guns-Up

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