One local police department is quelling fears after reports of a planned “riot” on Saturday.
Cranberry Township Police say that they have been in contact with organizers of an event planned at the intersection of Route 228, Route 19 and Freedom Road and that the protest is “planned as a peaceful demonstration.”
It will take place “mid-day” on June 14.
It’s one of the hundreds of events taking place across the United States called “No Kings Day”, including nearly a dozen in Western PA in place like Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Washington Counties.
The Pittsburgh one is planned for the City-County Building for two hours beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Other events are planed in Mars, Mt. Lebanon and more locations.
“No Kings” events have been in the works for months with the day coinciding with a parade planned in Washington D.C. to celebrate President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the United States Army’s 250th anniversary.
The events are a reaction to Trump and what some progressive groups see as shift toward authoritarianism under his presidency.
Ahead of the planned protests, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro released a statement expressing his support of people exercising their first amendment rights, but violence will not be tolerated.
Full Statement:
“The right to peacefully protest and exercise our First Amendment is a sacred American right — and here in Pennsylvania, we will always protect it. At the same time, we will always remain focused on keeping our communities safe and ensuring all demonstrations remain peaceful. As Governor, I will stand in defense of this constitutional right and work to ensure all Pennsylvanians can exercise it safely and peacefully.
“With demonstrations and protests planned across Pennsylvania this weekend, I want to be very clear: all protests and demonstrations must remain peaceful, lawful, and orderly. Violence is not an answer to any political differences, destruction and chaos are unacceptable — and neither will be permitted here in Pennsylvania.
“My Administration is coordinating with the Parker Administration in Philadelphia and local officials and law enforcement all across the Commonwealth to make sure that demonstrations this weekend are lawful and peaceful. Colonel Paris and the Pennsylvania State Police are working closely with local police departments to ensure they have the resources and support they need. Together, we are prepared to keep our communities safe while protecting Pennsylvanians’ fundamental rights – and we will be working around the clock to ensure both the rights of protesters and the wellbeing of our cities and towns are protected.
“So long as I am your Governor, I will continue working every day to protect our freedom and keep our communities safe. Here in the Commonwealth William Penn founded on the promise that it would be welcoming to people from all walks of life, we can and must do both.”