Counter-Protest? BLM Organizer Urges Supporters To Avoid Friday Rally
By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews
WARSAW – A local supporter of Black Lives Matter is urging people to avoid any thought of counter-protesting at the Patriot Rally scheduled for Friday night in Warsaw.
Maria Medina spoke out on Facebook Live Monday night to make it clear that people associated with People Of Change, which organized recent rallies about the death of George Floyd, will not be part of any counter-protests that may surface on Friday.
The Patriot Rally is set for 5 p.m. Friday at the Kosciusko County Courthouse in Warsaw.
Kevin Kyle, the rally organizer, said the event is intended to be a family-friendly celebration of freedom, and points to the recent national protests and destruction of statues as a point of concern.
On Facebook, he invited supporters of President Donald Trump as well as motorcyclists and hot rod fans to attend.
Medina said Friday’s event appears to be a political rally of sorts since an organizer encouraged people to wear shirts supporting President Donald Trump.
Medina pointed out in the Facebook event that aside from a few people who tried to interrupt their protests by revving motorcycle engines, most people had been respectful toward the protesters.
Medina said neither she nor co-organizer Ofy Rios, will show up at Friday’s rally.
Counter protesting, she said, would cheapen their movement.
“If you consider yourself to be part of People of Change, I am asking you guys please be respectful. Let them have their moment.”
Medina said the live stream was an effort to prevent the rumor mill.
“People of Change is working toward actionable change, not counter-protesting,” she said earlier this week in a message to InkFreeNews.