A Community Message from Sheriff John Nowels
“The Greater Spokane area is approaching a very busy weekend starting tomorrow. We have many diverse groups planning several different celebrations and demonstrations. A few of these celebrations and demonstrations may even be in direct conflict with each other’s political viewpoints.
I love that we, as Americans, have the right to celebrate or demonstrate against each other’s ideals openly. However, I would like to remind everyone that their individual rights do NOT grant them the ability to infringe upon the rights of others or disturb the public peace.
I ask everyone to please respect the liberty of others this weekend and take great pride in our ability as a community to be respectful and law-abiding towards one another.
Local law enforcement agencies are prepared to respond to unlawful activity if it arises, but we very much hope that we will not be needed. As your Sheriff, I ask that if you plan to protest or counter-protest, you do so within the bounds of the law.
If, for some reason, people begin violating the law, please follow the directives and orders issued by law enforcement. Failing to do so could lead to your arrest.
I want to be clear: if an unlawful assembly is declared and a dispersal order given, it is a crime for anyone to remain in the area. The men and women of the Sheriff’s Office will use whatever force is lawful and necessary to restore the peace and bring law violators to justice.
I would also add that if you wish to argue about the legality of an order issued by law enforcement, our system of laws and courts has a peaceful remedy in place through the court system.
The easiest way for these gatherings to remain peaceful is for people to be respectful and refrain from breaking the law. If someone breaks the law and orders to disperse are given, please comply and leave the area peacefully.
I hope we all have a safe weekend of celebrating Flag Day, Father’s Day, and Pride. For those groups who want to express their opposition or support of political viewpoints and actions, there is room here for all of us.
Let’s make sure the Spokane area is the example to the rest of the country on how diverse people and viewpoints can peacefully coexist.”
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This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "A Community Message from Sheriff John Nowels" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7