Protests are taking place all weekend in Baton Rouge, calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was fatally shot by Baton Rouge Police officers. A peaceful protest was held outside Baton Rouge Police Headquarters last night, and more are scheduled for this afternoon and Sunday. During last night’s gathering, several protestors were arrested for walking into the highway after police instructed them not to, but no violence was reported.
Governor John Bel Edwards said in a press conference that he is proud of the peaceful protests that have been taking place in Louisiana. He says the ability of citizens to exercise their first amendment rights is critically important, and he expects this to continue in a peaceful manner in the coming days in a response to shootings around the country. He insists that violence is not the answer because enough people have been hurt.
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Edwards says it’s been a sad week for our state and our nation, but he is confident that we can come out of this stronger.
The FBI has issued a so-called Potential Activity Alert to law enforcement in both Shreveport and Baton Rouge advising them to be watchful for violence in the coming days. State Police Col Mike Edmonson says police have been investigating riot threats that have been made on social media and asks the public to be on the lookout for suspicious activity. He says police are preparing to handle any situation that may arise. He says they will monitor any protests this weekend to protect citizens’ right to protest peacefully.
Governor Edwards told media that he knows there are more protests planned for this weekend. He says he is asking everyone to keep the conversations constructive and the actions lawful and peaceful.
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Edwards says flags have been lowered to half-staff throughout the state in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in the recent violence around the country.