KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Counter protests and an increase in police presence are being planned after rumors that a controversial alt-right group could be coming to Kalamazoo.
The post on Twitter from late July reads that the Proud Boys and Bikers for Trump are planning a pro-fascism rally in Kalamazoo on Saturday, August 15th.
It’s still unclear if the event is going to happen. As of Thursday, officials with the Downtown Kalamazoo Partnership say they have not been contacted about a permit for the event, which may possibly be held at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place Saturday afternoon.
Still, the First Congregational Church is organizing a non-violent Vigil Against Terror at the Arcadia Festival site from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday.
On Thursday, the city of Kalamazoo released a statement saying:
“The City of Kalamazoo is aware of unconfirmed social media posts related to a possible protest in downtown Kalamazoo this Saturday by a group known as the ‘Proud Boys,’ as well as possible counter-protests. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is monitoring this situation and will respond as needed to ensure the safety of our community. Bigotry and hatred in any form is not acceptable in Kalamazoo – nor is violence – and the City is prepared to act quickly if necessary.”
This comes after the annual Do-Dah parade in downtown Kalamazoo, which was rescheduled for Saturday, had to be cancelled. It was first due to coronavirus concerns but now the city is also worried about having enough police officers if the protest does occur.
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