“Free Speech” Rally at the Boston Common: 20-100 participants expected
-The rally has been permitted to take place between 12:00-2:00pm.
-The rally will be located at the Bandstand on Boston Common.
-The area of the rally will be barricaded with steel barriers and monitored by police officers.
-Banned items for demonstrators on both sides: bats, sticks, and backpacks.
-Police will have a “zero-tolerance policy” for any actions deemed dangerous and will result in removal from the event.
Counter Protest March and Rally: 1-5000 or more participants expected
-The march will begin at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury. The gathering begins at 10:00am and the procession should depart around 11:00am.
-The march will proceed down Tremont Street and onto Charles Street where participants will enter Boston Common through the gate on Charles Street (where Boston Common Parking Garage is.)
-BPD will guide the route with motorcycles, cars, bicycle units, and Officers on foot. The vehicles will block cross streets while participants march through.
-The participants of the march will then rally in the large open area to the left of where they enter (Corner of Beacon and Charles.)
-Banned items for demonstrators on both sides: bats, sticks, and backpacks.
-Police will have a “zero-tolerance policy” for any actions deemed dangerous and will result in removal from the event.
BPD Community Advisory for Events Scheduled for Saturday, August 19, 2017 on the Boston Common
On Saturday, August 19, 2017, the Boston Police Department anticipates large crowds to gather in the Boston Common and participate in a march along a predetermined route beginning at the Reggie Lewis Center and ending in the Boston Common. The Department has been and continues to be in contact with event organizers from several groups and is working with them to ensure a safe and peaceful day. The Department has a comprehensive operational plan in place. While details of the plan are not for public release, people can expect a large police presence of both uniformed and undercover officers. The Department will be deploying fixed video cameras and mobile video support teams to assist with keeping the event safe for all who attend.
Parking in and around the Boston Common will be prohibited. Signs have been posted, “No Stopping Boston Police Special Event” on effected roadways. Due to increased public safety concerns, if you plan on visiting the Boston Common on Saturday August 19, 2017 it is strongly recommended that you do not bring backpacks, large bags or strollers. If you do choose to bring these items, they may be subject to search and there will be no storage area designated to leave your belongings. In order to provide a safe and peaceful environment, the Boston Police Department has determined certain items be prohibited from the Boston Common. Please see the list of prohibited items below:
- Firearms, knives, weapons, sharp objects, shields or fireworks
- Pop up tents or canopies
- Cans, glass containers, pre-mixed beverages or alcoholic beverages
- Wagons or pull carts
- Coolers
- Drones
- Pets (excluding certified service animals)
- Grills, propane tanks or open flames
- Bicycles
- Flag poles, bats, clubs, sticks (including signs attached to sticks)
- Any athletic equipment or other item which could be used as a weapon
The Boston Police Department expects all who will be attending events on the Boston Common to act respectfully and responsibly. The Department intends to provide a safe and peaceful opportunity for people to exercise their Constitutional rights. Violence or property damage of any kind will not be tolerated. Anyone engaging in illegal behavior is subject to arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.