POSSIBLE HAPPENING TOMORROW IN BOSTON - 500 POLICE OFFICERS READY TO BASH SKULLS - FREE HOSPITAL RIDES OFFERED
‘Stay Away From The Common’ During Boston Free Speech Rally, Walsh Urges.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is urging people to stay away from a planned Free Speech Rally scheduled for Saturday on Boston Common.
Walsh made the comments Friday as he discussed security for the event alongside Boston Police Commissioner William Evans and Gov. Charlie Baker.
The mayor said he has spoken with the Southern Poverty Law Center for guidance on how to handle events involving white supremacists.
“They say that interacting with these groups just gives them a platform to spread their message of hate,” said Walsh. “They recommend that people should not confront these rallies. So we’re urging everyone to stay away from the Common.”
A total of 500 police officers will be present at the rally, and several hundred more are available if necessary.
Fencing and security cameras were installed on Boston Common’s Parkman Bandstand Friday morning as police continue safety preparations ahead of Saturday’s planned rally.
Related: Boston Police Will Have ‘Eyes And Ears’ On Anyone Attending Free Speech Rally
City officials approved a permit earlier this week for the rally, organized by the Boston Free Speech Coalition.
The permit allows rallygoers to begin setting up at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The rally is expected to begin at noon.
“There have been questions about why we granted a permit for the rally tomorrow,” said Walsh. “The courts have made it abundantly clear. They have the right to gather, no matter how repugnant their views are. But they don’t have the right to create unsafe conditions. They have the right to free speech. In return, they have to respect our city.”A large counter-protest is also expected at the event.
The sides will be separated by barriers, Boston Police said.
“Boston and Massachusetts are the home of some of the most important moments in the fight for freedom and equality in this nation’s history,” said Baker. “Tomorrow is one more chapter in that honored tradition, and we’re going to do everything we can to make sure tomorrow is about liberty and justice, freedom and peace, and yes the right for people to peacefully assemble.”
Thomas Robb, the national director of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, told the Boston Herald that some members from the Springfield area are planning to attend Saturday’s Rally. Walsh disputed this claim.
“There’s been no talk of any Ku Klux Klansmen at all,” Walsh said.
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