ATLANTA -- Atlanta Police said they are conducting an internal investigation following a Thursday night raid at a popular Midtown Atlanta gay bar.

A police spokesperson says they’ve launched an internal investigation in response to multiple complaints about officer misconduct during the raid at the Atlanta Eagle.

Bar patron, John Curran said, “They were really rough and aggressive.” Curran adds, “I heard one police officer say he ‘hated gay people.’”

Police said they raided the Ponce De Leon Avenue nightspot after receiving multiple complaints from neighbors about “public sexual acts.”

Police arrested eight people for not having proper permits, including five male dancers. The club remains open to the public.

An independent rally-style demonstration in protest of these actions is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, assembling at 5:00 p.m. in the Atlanta Eagle parking lot (off Argonne Ave. behind Ponce de Leon Ave.).

After a short summary statement, those who were allegedly harassed during the incident will be invited to share their stories, if they wish to do so.

Following this, the group plans to conduct a short, peaceful march to the steps of City Hall East at 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., for reading of one or more additional prepared statements.

A statement by a representative of GLBTATL will specifically address the conduct of Atlanta Police Department officers in this incident, and will include an open invitation to APD to address these issues in a civil and direct manner.