NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The Platte River Mall has issued a statement regarding the Peace Walk that was scheduled to begin at the mall this Sunday, June 7.
After the Post published a story regarding the walk, organizers were contacted by the North Platte Police Department and told they would not be able to start the walk in the Platte River Mall parking lot.
Organizers moved the start location to Harvest Christian Fellowship at 2:30 pm on Sunday, June 7.
Representatives from Platte River Mall issued the following statement.
"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 the 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."
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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