Black Lives Matter protest of Douglas County Sheriff planned

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Black Lives Matter (BLM) group of Carson City is planning a protest at the Judicial Law Enforcement Center (JLEC) in Minden on Saturday, August 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is in response to a letter Sheriff Coverley sent to the Douglas County Library about its proposed diversity statement which included the words "#BlackLivesMatter." Since that time the letter has set off a fire storm with media coverage across the country.

Douglas County said they have been actively preparing for the planned protest. Part of those preparations is an established "free speech zone" set up by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) to accommodate anyone who arrives for the protest.

They have been in contact with groups who have shown interest in attending the demonstration to exercise their First Amendment Rights.

"Our office has openly encouraged every group to exercise their rights in a peaceful manner without reservation,” said Sheriff Dan Coverley. “Our office has spoken with representatives from interested parties to discuss differences and build confidence that attendees want a peaceful event with no harm to persons or property."

Black Lives Matter of Carson City is inviting all area activists from Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and Douglas County to join them in a peaceful manner to protest what they say are injustices and wrongfulness in DCSO.

There will be an eight-foot blocked off area from the two main doorways leading to the JLEC for everyone’s safety. This area will be clearly marked and the public will not be allowed past the barricades, unless authorized by law enforcement personnel.

Pictured above is a map of free speech spaces, parking areas and off-limit areas. The red area shown on the map will be fenced and foot traffic or motor vehicle traffic will not be allowed. This is a no access area and those entering this area area subject to the trespassing law, according to a Douglas County press release.

The yellow area is the free speech zone set aside by the County for anyone who arrives for the protest.

In a statement Monday, Douglas County officials reminded residents that public sentiment, comments and rumors on social media platforms are opinions and not the official source of information surrounding the protest.

"Any information concerning this protest will receive official correspondence from county leaders on official DCSO or County letterhead," they said.

There could be a shortage of parking at the JLEC building and attendees should consider other options for parking. Water Street will be closed to provide additional space for a free speech zone and all motor vehicles are to removed from that street by 6:00 a.m. August 8.

Official information and updates about the preparations of the event will be posted to the Douglas County and Sheriff’s Websites. The official page is located at https://www.douglascountynv.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=12493103&pageId=16936138

DCSO is also working proactively with Douglas County Emergency Management, Douglas County Staff and elected officials to ensure the safety of Douglas County residents, visitors and businesses. The County said DCSO will also add active patrols though out Douglas County to protect business and residential areas.

“I believe that everyone can actively voice their concerns with civility and the safety of our community, visitors and residents is and always has been our number one priority,” said Sheriff Dan Coverley.

BLM Carson City says their group purpose is to bring awareness, knowledge, and a change surrounding police brutality, systemic racism, and racism in general.

"We are a free thinking, political organization with the goal of helping people rise to consciousness," they said on their Facebook page.