APD 'anticipating protests' downtown this weekend, asks for compliance with law

ASHEVILLE - The Police Department expects protest events in Asheville this weekend and is asking those attending to respect each other's rights "in a peaceful manner."

"We support and respect an individual’s constitutional right to exercise free speech in a peaceful manner," the press release states. "In order to maintain the safety of everyone in our community, we would like to remind everyone that causing harm or injury to persons or property, blocking streets and intersections, and trespassing are illegal offenses and can result in arrest."

The APD also reminded potential demonstrators that carrying firearms at demonstrations on public property is illegal. The APD said it will be on standby for anyone who needs assistance.

APD spokeswoman Christina Hallingse noted in the release that state law does allow "individuals to open carry, however, there is an exception in the law that prohibits the possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons at parades or demonstrations on public property."

Police were criticized for not arresting those carrying guns at the June 21 rally. In early July, one Black Lives Matter protester and two counterprotesters were arrested and charged for carrying guns at the demonstration.

'Grand flagging' of Asheville planned

A group organizing on Facebook plans a "Grand Flagging of Asheville NC" from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 29, with participants meeting at 2520 New Leicester Highway. The Facebook page states, "No firearms are allowed on post office property. With this being said we will still meet there and we will direct you to a private secure location."

The post refers to Asheville as "an Antifa stronghold," referring to "anti-fascists." The post encourages "real patriots" to bring flags and water, and states they are defenders of American and Southern history.

"Patriot milita (sic) units needed for security," the post states, asking people to private message the organizer if they can fill that role. "NC is open carry for residents. SC CWP'S are accepted by law as well. Hopefully this wouldn't be an issue unless threatened. The full plan will be discussed at the first meeting area for security since most FB groups are compromised with trolls."

CWP generally refers to "concealed weapon permits."

The page is hosted by Tim Arnold of Westminster, South Carolina, and Brandon Frick of Leicester. Arnold's Facebook page lists him as "The Rebel Captain," while Frick describes himself as "Neo-Confederate, Southern traditionalist, Christian, Liberal Trigger General, Rapper."

'We're peaceful'

In a phone interview Aug. 28, Arnold said those participating "most likely" will not have firearms on them, but they will have militia members present wearing body armor in case they're needed to protect demonstrators. 

"We’re peaceful," Arnold said. "We really want to be the good guys here. We don’t want any violence whatsoever. We understand others have the right to protest us being there. They have their rights, we have ours and we just want everything to remain peaceful." 

The flag demonstration will include Confederate and U.S. flags, he said, and it will be a "mobile" demonstration. Asked if they'll go through downtown Asheville, where the controversial Zeb Vance monument remains shrouded in plastic because of his status as a slave owner and Civil War officer, Arnold declined to give specifics.

"We are definitely touring Asheville," Arnold said. "That's the best way to put it. It's not actually a planned event for any specific location."

Regarding turnout, Arnold said it's difficult to know how many people will come out until the day of the event, but they are expecting participants from Asheville, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee and Arkansas.

He stressed they are not looking for a fight but rather to highlight Southern heritage and the need to preserve monuments.

"We are heritage history defenders," Arnold said. "We just simply want to defend our history and enjoy our freedoms while we have them."

He did say that "when counter-protesters come out, things get rather hairy quickly," but he also stressed again they're not looking for physical confrontations.

City Council urges people to stay home

Asheville City Council issued a statement Aug. 28 urging residents to stay away from the demonstration.

"We are aware of possible protests planned for this weekend by groups who do not live here or support the work we are doing in Asheville," the statement reads. "We, as a council, want to encourage residents to stay home, stay safe. The protesters will likely be carrying weapons and have stated that they 'plan to remain peaceful, unless threatened.'"

Council said they're aware that "so many in our community do not agree with this protest."

"As a council we are committed to the work of removing injustices and systematic racism, and this protest will not change that," the statement reads. "Please stay safe, do not engage. We do not want anyone to get hurt."

Vigil for Jacob Blake on Sunday

An Instagram posts states a "Solidarity Vigil for Jacob Blake and Kenosha Uprising" will take place at 6 p.m. Aug. 30, at the West Asheville library. Blake was shot by a Kenosha, Wisconsin, police officer Aug. 23, sparking demonstrations and rioting in that city.

The posting states, "We continue to grow more tired and more angry with the police brutalization that is inflicted upon black bodies," noting that Blake is alive but paralyzed. While his life was not taken, the post notes, the paralysis "is something to amplify, center, and scream at the top of your lungs for." 

It says they will "uplift Blake and his family," as well as the two lives lost afterward when a teen carrying an AR-15 rifle killed two demonstrators and injured a third.

North Carolina law permits demonstrations, parades and marches but they "cannot block streets or intersections, or obstruct the flow of traffic," according to statutes cited in the release.

"Demonstrators are asked to stay on the sidewalks and abide by all traffic rules," the release states.

Multiple protests this summer

Downtown has been the site of numerous protests this summer, including some that have turned violent and ended with police using tear gas and plastic bullets to disperse crowds.

One demonstration revolving around the painting of a "Defund the Police" sign near APD headquarters became especially tense when counterprotesters showed up, with several of them carrying firearms. One man on the "Defund the Police" side was also carrying a firearm.

After the May 25 killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis Police Department officers, protests calling for racial justice have been frequent in downtown Asheville.

On Aug. 8, APD responded to a call about protesters inside the Renaissance Hotel downtown blocking the guests from entering the hotel and banging on windows. APD arrested six protesters.

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The APD press release also noted, "Entering private property without the property owner’s permission, or remaining on private property after the property owner requests that you leave, is trespassing."