What???? Memphis police ramp up security for Klan rally

By C. J. Refsland on March 30, 2013 • ( 0 )

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Security will be heavy at a weekend Ku Klux Rally in Memphis, where the white supremacists plan to protest the renaming of three Confederate parks, Memphis’ police chief said.

Klan members will be fenced off from the anticipated crowd of anti-Klan demonstrators and will be bused to and from the rally site in front of the Shelby County courthouse in downtown Memphis on Saturday, Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong said.

A North Carolina-based faction of the Klan received a protest permit after the City Council voted to change the names of Nathan Bedford Forrest Park, Jefferson Davis Park and Confederate Park. Forrest was a slave trader, Confederate cavalryman and member of the first version of the Klan.

City officials hope that the protest does not turn violent. The city, along with tourism development officials, community groups and the chamber of commerce, has organized a family-themed event on Saturday to counter the rally.

A section of the downtown area will be closed off and loaded with officers. Fencing will be placed in front of businesses to protect them.

Armstrong said officers from his department and other nearby jurisdictions are also preparing for the presence of members of other Klan chapters and white supremacist groups, as well as local gangs.

“We have a lot of potential powder kegs,” Armstrong said Thursday.

The Klan protesters will not be allowed to wear masks, after the City Council passed an ordinance banning the wearing of masks for the purpose of civil rights intimidation.

Armstrong, who is black, said he and other unnamed city officials have received threats in the weeks ahead of the rally. He served as an undercover officer at a Klan rally in 1998 that turned ugly when anti-Klan protesters tossed bottles and rocks at police. Windows were broken out in downtown buildings and police cars.

Tear gas was used to disperse the crowd. About 20 people were arrested.

Armstrong said he learned from mistakes made by the department 15 years ago and his officers will be better prepared.

“We’re hoping that this is a peaceful thing,” he said.

A committee has been formed to help the council decide on permanent names for the parks. The council temporarily changed Confederate Park to Memphis Park; Jefferson Davis Park to Mississippi River Park; and Nathan Bedford Forrest Park to Health Sciences Park.