Charleston, South Carolina – Police officials in Charleston are actively working with protest organizers to prepare for several demonstrations expected to take place over the weekend.
The Charleston Police Department has confirmed it is in communication with various groups to ensure public safety while also supporting the right to peacefully protest.
Officers are planning their response based on information shared by the groups, including expected crowd sizes, routes, and timing. The police say their goal is to maintain order while protecting both demonstrators and the general public.
The city has seen a rise in planned protests in recent weeks, as groups rally for a variety of causes. While the department did not name specific organizations involved in the upcoming demonstrations, they said they are in “constant contact” with all event coordinators. Police are also preparing extra patrols and support teams in case of any emergencies.
Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker said the department is taking a “community-first” approach. He mentioned that police officers have been asked to stay visible and respectful during the events to help promote a peaceful environment.
Walker added that safety is a shared responsibility and urged participants to cooperate with law enforcement and follow all city rules during the demonstrations. He also encouraged demonstrators to remain peaceful and non-violent, regardless of the issue being protested.
Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg also showed support for peaceful gatherings. In a brief statement, he said that freedom of speech and the right to assemble are core American values and that the city is committed to upholding those rights safely.
In preparation, the city is working on traffic control measures and public alerts. Road closures and parking restrictions may be announced depending on the size and scale of the protests. Residents are advised to stay updated through official city channels or the police department’s social media accounts.
Charleston officials said they hope the weekend demonstrations will be powerful but peaceful, allowing people to voice their concerns without any disruption to public safety.