Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker, Safety Service Director Lori Cope, and Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch are aware of a planned peaceful protest that is being circulated on social media and is to take place tomorrow May 30, 2020 at 11AM in the Downtown area. It appears the protest is in reference to the incident involving George Floyd in Minnesota. By all indications, this protest is to be peaceful and not condoning acts of violence.
The city administration as well as Chief Porch, absolutely supports the Constitution’s 1 st Amendment and the right to peacefully assemble. However, acts of violence and/or rioting activity will not be tolerated and will be addressed according to law.
As Chief of Police, I understand the frustration and anger surrounding the purpose of the protest and believe the objectives of the protest can be accomplished peacefully without violence and damage to property. The safety of those attending the protest and the citizens of Mansfield are of the utmost importance and the Division of Police is committed to that mission