Cleveland is one of hundreds of cities planning to hold a ‘No Kings’ protest during the military parade in Washington, D.C.
In Cleveland, a protest named “No Kings” is scheduled to take place downtown on Saturday. The Cleveland Division of Police has issued safety reminders and parking restrictions in preparation for the event.
Cleveland is among many cities organizing a “No Kings” protest to coincide with the military parade in Washington commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s birthday. The protests aim to challenge what organizers perceive as Trump’s attempts to celebrate his 79th birthday and Flag Day for personal gain.
The rally is set to kick off at The Free Stamp located at East 9th Street and Lakeside Avenue at 2 p.m. Additionally, other rallies in Northeast Ohio are anticipated in areas such as Parma, Mentor, Chardon, Ashtabula, and Bainbridge.
“No Kings” will follow several days of nationwide protests against federal immigration raids including in Los Angeles, where Trump’s deployment of the National Guard further agitated his opponents.
Here is the statement from the Cleveland Division of Police ahead of Saturday’s protest:
We fully support the right to peacefully assemble and express First Amendment rights. This message is intended to encourage local participants to demonstrate without disrupting public order. Our role is to ensure that all participants are able to do so safely and lawfully.
We ask that all demonstrators remain orderly, respectful of public spaces, and follow all applicable laws. Officers will be present to protect everyone’s safety and to facilitate the lawful exercise of free speech. In addition to the planned protest, other events are occurring, including Juneteenth celebrations. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that everyone attending these gatherings is able to do so safely.
We appreciate the cooperation of all involved and remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for all members of our community.
PARKING RESTRICTIONS
City officials say parking restrictions for the below areas will be in effect beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday and will continue through 4:00 a.m. on Sunday:
- West Mall Drive, Lakeside to Rockwell
- W. 9th St, Superior to Front
- W. 6th St, Superior to Lakeside
- W. 3rd St, Rockwell to Summit
- W. 4th St, Lakeside to St. Clair
- E. 6th St, Euclid to Lakeside
- E. 9th St, Prospect to Lakeside
- E. 12th St, Euclid to Lakeside
- E. 4th St, Huron to Prospect
- E. 2nd St, High to Prospect
- Lakeside Ave, E. 12th St to W. 9th St
- St. Clair Ave, E. 12th to W. 9th St
- Superior Ave, E. 12th St to W. 9th St.
- Rockwell Ave, E. 12th to W. 3rd St.
- Euclid Ave, E. 12th St to Public Sq.
- Prospect Ave, E. 12th to Public Sq.
- Vincent, E. 6th to E. 12th
- Chester, E. 9th to E. 13th
- Walnut, E. 9th to E. 12th
“Always check nearby poles, posts, and parking meters for signage outlining parking restrictions,” city officials added. “Vehicles found in violation of these restrictions will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. Towed vehicles can be retrieved from the City of Cleveland’s Impound Unit at 3040 Quigley Road.”
SAFETY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS
The Cleveland Division of Police requests that pedestrians at the protest do the following:
- Walk on the sidewalk, whenever a sidewalk is available.
- Follow all traffic laws and obey traffic signs and signals.
- Cross streets at sidewalks and intersections, when you have the right of way.
- Watch for vehicle traffic on the roadway. Vehicles are not anticipating pedestrians in the roadway when a sidewalk is available.
Officials add the possible consequences of walking in the street instead of the sidewalk include the increased likelihood of being struck by a vehicle causing serious bodily injury or death increases, tripping and falling from hazards in a street not meant for pedestrian traffic, and traffic violation(s) which could result in citation(s) being issued.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
