The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department used its weekly press conference Wednesday to address a “March against Communism” event in which white nationalist Richard Spencer is a scheduled speaker. Last week the group Anticom tweeted its intentions to have the march Dec. 28 in Marshall Park.
Spencer led the rally that turned deadly last month in Charlottesville, Va.
But CMPD says Anticom has not filed for any permits. CMPD has also reached out to the organization, but as of Wednesday morning had not heard back.
If the event takes place, Deputy Chief Jeff Estes says CMPD will work to ensure that protests and counterprotests are peaceful.
"One thing that will not be tolerated is any violence or property damage," Estes says. "Chief Putney is adamant about that as an organization that is something we will not stand for. Anyone who commits an act of violence during this alleged event will be held accountable."
He says CMPD has heard from hundreds of Charlotteans and from people outside the state expressing concerns around the announced event.
Estes says groups don't need a permit to assemble in Marshall Park, but permits are needed to use amplified sound or have a street closure.