This Protest Is Found Flagging

A civil rights campaign that is using the Olympics to boost its protest against the Georgia state flag got off to a bad start in Atlanta on Monday when only five people showed up for the first in a series of daily protests.

The campaign, announced last week at vocal rally of 25 civil rights organizations, was intended to include daily protests across the city for the duration of the Games, which end Aug. 4.

But Monday, as traffic gridlock hit the city because of the Olympics, the Coalition to Change the Flag was unable to field even half a dozen protesters.

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A man carrying a gun and a knife slipped past security at the Olympic Stadium less than two hours before the opening ceremonies, police said Monday.

The man, wearing a security uniform, was arrested about 7:15 p.m. Friday inside the stadium after he failed to show an identification badge when asked by security officers, said police spokeswoman Jan Northstar.

Roland Atkins, 55, of Aurora, Colo., has been charged with carrying a pistol without a license, carrying a dangerous weapon, criminal trespassing and theft of service. He has been released on $17,000 bond.

Police said he was carrying a knife and a semi-automatic .45-caliber handgun loaded with 11 rounds.

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Former Olympic swimming star Dawn Fraser, who carried the torch and took part in the opening ceremonies, was hospitalized with chest pains.

Fraser, 58, who won four golds and three silvers at three Olympics, was in stable condition, but would stay in the hospital for at least two days for tests, according to Australian team officials.

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Thomas Bach, 42, a German International Olympic Committee member and former gold medalist in fencing, was hospitalized after experiencing breathing problems after a game of tennis.