Police in Newport Beach reassured residents Tuesday evening they are prepared for at least four separate Black Lives Matter protests scheduled to take place in the city on Wednesday.
The number of protesters are unknown at this time, but the events appeared to be gaining traction on social media, and all indications are that the protests will be peaceful, according to a statement from Newport Beach police Chief Jon Lewis.
The events are as scheduled:
— Noon at MacArthur Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway;
— 2 p.m. at the Newport Pier;
— 5 p.m. at San Miguel Drive and Avocado Avenue;
— 5 p.m. at Back Bay View Park, Jamboree Road and Pacific Coast Highway.
In addition to the four events in Newport Beach, Lewis said at least six other protests are planned in cities in Orange County, including nearby Irvine.
“Our mission will be to keep the peace and ensure the protection of Constitutional rights of all members of the public,” Lewis said. “We intend to use crowd-management strategies and tactics to mitigate the possibility of lawful crowds escalating into an unlawful assembly. Appropriate enforcement action will be taken swiftly when necessary to maintain order.”
Officers from nearby cities and Orange County sheriff’s deputies will he deployed along side Newport Beach police throughout the day and “additional personnel have been placed on standby and will be utilized as needed,” Lewis said.
About 8:25 p.m., the department tweeted its gratitude to residents.
“We are thankful for the overwhelming support of the Newport Beach community,” the tweet said. “It is our expectation that by communicating with those who wish to protest within the city of Newport Beach, we will be able to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.”
>> Want to read more stories like this? Get our Free Daily Newsletters Here!
Follow us: