Yasmin Rashid acted largely as a peacekeeper between the two sides. Casey Martin
ITHACA, NY Tensions were high on March 14 as Back the Blue supporters were met with a large group of counter-protesters at Bernie Milton Pavilion. Back the Blue supporters had announced earlier in the week that they had planned to protest the Reimagining Public Safety proposal that recommends replacing Ithaca Police Department with the Community Solutions and Public Safety Department. However, the Ithaca Police Benevolent Association put out a statement on March 11 thanking people for their support, but urging against the rally.
Black Lives Matters protesters raise their fists in solidarity.
Back The Blue Rally: Speaking Out Against Police Reform weny.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from weny.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Opposing protests took place on the Ithaca Commons Sunday with one group supporting the structure of the city s police department as is, while the other group is advocating for change.
What You Need To Know
A rally supporting the Ithaca Police Department on Sunday was organized in response to the city s police reform plan
A counter protest formed on the Commons Sunday in favor of changes to the police department put forward by the city
The most drastic measure in the plan replaces the police department with a Community Solutions and Public Safety Department
Sunday s rally backing the Ithaca Police Department included a parade of vehicles and a presence on the Ithaca Commons, coordinated in response to the city s police reform plan. Rally organizer Rocco Lucente doesn t support the plan.
“Pro-police” protesters confront counter protestors at the center of the Ithaca Commons. (Vaughn Golden/WSKG)
Earlier in the week, several right-wing activists announced they would conduct a Sunday rally in support of the Ithaca Police Department. It came amid the debate over whether Ithaca’s force should be abolished and radically restructured under civilian-led administration. The Ithaca Police Benevolent Association, the department’s union, later released a statement discouraging the event. The Association said it “may detract from our message of collaboration with the police reform and the steps we’ve made with Common Council and the Mayor.”
Counter protestors lead chants at the center of the Ithaca Commons. (Vaughn Golden/WSKG)