Podcast with Rob Mitchell about starting location of Peace Walk.
Statement from organizer Rob Mitchell. Includes some adult language.
Statement from North Platte Chief of Police Dan Hudson:
Good afternoon all, my name is Dan Hudson, I am the Chief of Police for the North Platte Police Department. I want to take a minute and let everyone know that we at the NPPD are here to support this march. We want to ensure everyone involved in this PEACE MARCH is SAFE, this includes participants as well as our community stakeholders. The NPPD is here to ensure that everyone’s Constitutional 1st Amendment Rights are honored.
We at the NPPD have been in contact today with the owners and management of the Platte River Mall, we discussed many failures in communications by both parties. The idea of the march was discussed by the Department and the event organizer (Big Rob). We ultimately agreed on the Platte River Mall as the starting point. The Platte River Mall was not involved in these discussions nor were they contacted prior, which we regret. I can assure you that both the NPPD and the Mall regret these failures and the position we may have put the marchers in.
I think during these incredibly trying times, as we gather, we need to ensure that we remember the purpose of this march is showing the world that we are gathering to promote peace.
As Big Rob has said, this march is to show that we are one, that we stand together and through communication we build trust and respect.
Respectfully,
Dan
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UPDATE 6/3/20 3:15 pm
Statement from the Platte River Mall:
"On behalf of the owner and management of Platte River Mall, we apologize for the miscommunication regarding the PEACEFUL assembly that was planned to begin at the mall. The reaction was based on business obligations, insurance limitations, and tenant concerns. We have since spoken to Chief Hudson with the North Platte Police Department in an attempt to COMMUNICATE and clear up misunderstanding, express our RESPECT for the right of Americans to peacefully protest, and express our TRUST in him and North Platte law enforcement to facilitate harmony in the community. We are blessed to have a community of peace and we hope the relocated event brings out the best in all North Platte citizens."
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Note: In the original story, the Peace Walk was to begin in the Platte River Mall parking lot. After the story was published, organizers were contacted by mall representatives, via the North Platte Police Department, and told they could not begin their protest in their parking lot. Organizers have stressed that the protest will be peaceful. The walk will now begin in the parking lot of Harvest Christian Fellowship, 1501 South Dewey. We have reached out to Platte River Mall representatives for comment.
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-There is no doubt that the heart of America broke after seeing the heinous video of George Floyd being murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. But what has followed has been nothing short of anarchy and chaos in the streets of America.
However, a local man wants to show the community and the country that North Platte does things peacefully.
Rob Mitchell, known as Big Rob, has organized a Peace Walk for Sunday, June 7 in North Platte.
"Let’s show the community and all the surrounding communities how we do things peacefully. Let’s keep that same energy we had this past weekend," Mitchell said referring to a peaceful protest that took place in North Platte last Sunday.
Mitchell said organizers want no negative energy around.
The walk will start at the Harvest Christian Fellowship parking lot at 2:30 p.m. Organizers are reminding participants that it is expected to be hot and urge all involved stay hydrated during the walk.
"We are one. We matter dammit," said Mitchell.