The last Black Lives Matter protest was tense. Boise Police plan to keep Tuesday’s calm
New Boise Police Chief Ryan Lee was sworn in on July 2, the day after a Black Lives Matter Defund the Police rally outside City Hall resulted in tension, taunting, name-calling, the shouting of white supremacist slogans and even violence.
Lee called it “reprehensible.” Boise Mayor Lauren McLean took aim at counterprotest groups that included white supremacists and neo-Nazis, one of whom shouted “heil Hitler, white power,” according to video at the scene. “There is no room for this in our city,” she said.
The event led to police searches for instigators of violence, with BPD putting out a public call to help identify three counterprotesters facing potential battery, fighting and disturbing the peace charges.
The next protest is set for Tuesday, and Lee and McLean plan on taking no chances that there will be a repeat. Police and city officials have been coordinating to provide a larger response and reaching out to organizers to try to ensure a peaceful demonstration.
“We are reaching out to people identifying themselves as organizers now to ensure people that wish to exercise their rights in an appropriate manner, to remain lawful with a degree of civility, are able to do that,” Lee told the Statesman. “... We are also dedicating the resources so we can quickly use police intervention techniques to address any outbreaks of violence or potential outbreaks of violence if they occur.“
Lee said he is planning on working Tuesday night, and he told the Statesman editorial board that there would be a “much more substantial and robust response” from police.
BLMBoise, the group planning the protest, declined to provide a comment on measures it is taking to help promote a peaceful environment, but it told the Statesman that organizers would be issuing details on Monday. For now, the time and location of the event have been undisclosed to the public — for the safety of organizers and participants, according to planners.
Facebook-organized groups including Idaho Liberty Dogs and Code 3 to 1 Retired Police Officers and Fire Fighters in Idaho have plans to gather at City Hall at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, according to social media posts. They did not respond to the Statesman’s request for a comment on goals and safety measures for the event.
Lee said he is requesting that groups self-police against individuals who infiltrate their ranks with the intent of provoking violence or unwelcome incidents.
According to Haley Williams, BPD spokesperson, said the department will have separate “free speech zones” at the event for different groups.
“As with any large event, we need to plan ways for officers and other first responders to have ingress and egress options,” Williams told the Statesman. “The zones are to enhance public safety and create spaces where people can feel safe exercising their First Amendment rights.”
Williams said there will be official liaisons on hand to help organizers know where to go and stand.
“Anyone planning to attend the demonstration is reminded that officers will work to stop violence of any kind, as well as property damage,” Williams said in a statement. “We will also work to hold those responsible for any violent act or vandalism accountable under the laws of the state of Idaho and city of Boise.
“Our priority is to create a safe place for all who intend to peacefully exercise their rights, and we do not condone violence by any party in these demonstrations.”
No arrests have been made after the assaults at the last protest, according to Williams. Some reports have been sent to prosecutors and other incidents are still under investigation, she said.
This story was originally published July 19, 2020 at 7:00 AM.
