Chief Durham releases statement, plans community meeting ahead of possible protests Saturday

Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham released a statement to neighborhood associations in The Fan and Museum Districts Tuesday afternoon warning residents of possible protests along Monument Avenue near the Lee Monument Saturday, September 16th.

A group had planned to hold a “Heritage Not Hate rally at the monument, plans for which were later cancelled after Governor Terry McAuliffe directed state officials to deny any event permits for the space, which is managed by the Department of General Services as a matter of precaution following the violent protests in Charlottesville last month.

Another group, calling themselves “CSA II: The New Confederate States of America,” announced intentions to hold a rally at Lee Circle despite the absence of a valid permit. There is no way to confirm whether the Tennessee-based group will actually show up, but local counter-protesters would likely meet the group as well.

Chief Durham’s statement reads, in full:

The Richmond chief also plans to hold a community meeting Thursday evening, September 14th, at 6:00 PM in the Fan District to address concerns of residents and business owners near the possibly rally. The meeting will be held at First Baptist Church, located at 2709 Monument Avenue and all are welcome.

Many temporary parking restrictions are also in place this Saturday in anticipation of the protests. See the map below for full details.