Over the past few days News Talk WMPT and talkwilliamsport.com were sent numerous social media posts outlining protests for Market Square in downtown Williamsport.
The protests were slated for early Sunday afternoon and early Sunday evening.
News Talk WMPT and talkwilliamsport.com reached out to Derek Slaughter, Mayor of the City of Williamsport along with Bureau of Police Chief Hagan to confirm if a permit was obtained by the protest organizers.
At this writing, neither has responded to multiple attempts to address this story, however Mayor Slaughter was photographed in attendance at the early afternoon session surrounded by protesters who were holding signs.
Mayor Slaughter opened his remarks to those gathered “I hear you…and I am easily accessible.”
No formal written statement has been issued by the Office of Mayor Slaughter in regard to the protests today.
News Talk WMPT and talkwilliamsport.com has independently confirmed with multiple sources that no permits were issued for the events held today.
Protest organizers included several local churches as well as individuals who have previously posted viral videos of local police behavior. One of these individuals has also obtained video endorsements from a former police officer and former assistant District Attorney while seeking a pardon having previously been convicted of a felony sex crime against a minor.
The lack of permits being issued for the events held today may lead to civil litigation in Federal Court as early as Monday being filed by the National Socialist Movement which is seeking a permit to hold a rally in Williamsport.
Daniel Burnside, Sergeant Major of the National Socialist Movement when reached Sunday night by News Talk WMPT and talkwilliamsport.com; reacted to the protests in Williamsport, “It’s pretty much par whether we apply (for a permit) in Ohio, Virginia or Pennsylvania. Counter protesters want to cause mayhem which shuts down free speech.
He added, “they (protesters in Williamsport) needed to be in motion and not stay in one place; which needs permission or a permit to do that. I expected it, this process is what we encounter on a regular basis.”
Randall J. Allison, President of Williamsport City Council posted online earlier this evening: “In the midst of all that is happening this weekend across our nation I must address something that pales in importance but has caused much confusion locally. The Sun Gazette reported on Saturday that the city has extended a 10 person limit until June 11. This is totally inaccurate.
Weeks ago city council amended the mayor’s original proclamation to mirror the public limit as it is changed by the Governor. The number changed to 25 awhile back and will now change to 250 on Friday the 5th when Lycoming County enters the Green Phase. I hope this clears things up. Randy”
Earlier today on Market Square a group of more than 250 protesters gathered.
Burnside indicated the National Socialist Movement still intends to hold an event in Williamsport on July 18, 2020 and is still pursuing the permit process.
According to ACLU.org, protests and counter protests need to be treated equally.
Do I need a permit?
- You don’t need a permit to march in the streets or on sidewalks, as long as marchers don’t obstruct car or pedestrian traffic. If you don’t have a permit, police officers can ask you to move to the side of a street or sidewalk to let others pass or for safety reasons.
- Certain types of events may require permits. These include a march or parade that requires blocking traffic or street closure; a large rally requiring the use of sound amplifying devices; or a rally over a certain size at most parks or plazas.
- While certain permit procedures require submitting an application well in advance of the planned event, police can’t use those procedures to prevent a protest in response to breaking news events.
- Restrictions on the route of a march or sound equipment might violate the First Amendment if they are unnecessary for traffic control or public safety, or if they interfere significantly with effective communication to the intended audience.
- A permit cannot be denied because the event is controversial or will express unpopular views.
- If the permit regulations that apply to your protest require a fee for a permit, they should allow a waiver for those who cannot afford the charge.
Can my free speech be restricted because of what I say—even if it is controversial?
No.
The First Amendment prohibits restrictions based on the content of speech. However, this does not mean that the Constitution completely protects all types of free speech activity in every circumstance. Police and government officials are allowed to place certain nondiscriminatory and narrowly drawn “time, place and manner” restrictions on the exercise of First Amendment rights. Any such restrictions must apply to all speech regardless of its point of view.
News Talk WMPT and talkwilliamsport.com will continue to follow developments in this story as they happen.
