KALISPELL — A crowd of peaceful protesters are expected to gather at Depot Park in Kalispell on Saturday evening to honor the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kalispell Police Chief Doug Overman said some residents approached him about holding a peaceful protest over the death of George Floyd.
He said the department supports their right to a peaceful assembly adding that the department has received concern from citizens about potential ‘outside groups’ trying to cause disturbance.
From intelligence they’ve received, Overman says they have no direct information on any outside groups coming to Kalispell. Overman is asking people opposing the peaceful protest to do so respectfully, avoiding violence or altercations.
“I’m aware that the citizens of Kalispell are very protective of their community and very concerned for it, I respect that, all I’m asking for is a peaceful opportunity for everybody to exercise their rights,” said Overman.
Overman said his department will be fully staffed Saturday working alongside other law enforcement agencies, ensuring safety for both the city of Kalispell and peaceful protesters.
