A George Floyd/Black Lives Matter protest is scheduled to take place at the Montana Capitol Building on Sunday, June 14th, 2020.
MTN News spoke with Helena PD and the public health to discuss preparations and safety guidelines for people planning to attend.
According to the Facebook event posting as of June 11th , over 450 people plan to attend the rally and the post indicates that nearly a thousand more were interested in the event.
The Helena Police Chief Steve Hagen said in a news release on Wednesday that the event had been permitted by the General Services division. HPD and partner agencies will have a police presence.
"We have to protect the constitutional rights of everyone that's involved in every incident. So, to include this rally, we will be there to make sure, the best we can, to protect people's safety and constitutional rights," says Steve Hagen, Helena Police Chief.
The Lewis & Clark Public Health also want to remind everyone who plans to attend that we are still in a pandemic and urged them to follow guidelines to help prevent further spreading of the coronavirus.
“We fully support our community's desire and need to be heard on the subject of systemic racism. We're just asking that folks do it safely. That you remember these lessons because COVID-19 remains a significant issue in our community," says Eric Merchant, the Disease Control and Prevention Division Administrator for Lewis & Clark Public Health.
Public Health recommends following certain guidelines. Try to maintain a six-feet distance between other participants. Since it may be difficult to maintain distance, a face covering is recommended. Practice good hygiene like washing hands and avoid touching the face. The health department recommends anyone showing symptoms of the virus to not attend the protest and find an alternative way to participate.
Chief Hagen did say they have been in touch with the event organizer regarding Sunday’s protest.
