MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Rumors of a riot at Poplar and Highland are false, MPD reports.
However, WREG does have information indicating a protest will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday at this location. We will keep you updated as we learn more.
MPD Director Toney Armstrong released the following statement after the announcement:
I anticipate the citizens of our great city to exercise their right to free speech and demonstrate in wake of the Ferguson, Missouri’s grand jury decision not to indict; however, it is expected that our citizens will do so in a lawful manner. The Memphis Police Department will be visible during such demonstrations and in the unlikely event that unlawful conduct arises, the men and women of this Department are prepared to take the necessary action to prevent violence and maintain public safety. While the public has the right to demonstrate, by no means will violence and lawlessness be tolerated.
Due to the timing of the announcement and concerns about reaction nationwide, the Memphis Police Department held day shift officers over a few hours. They have since been released to go home.
Protests have been reported nationwide after a St. Louis grand jury decided not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the shooting death of Michael Brown. The FBI has said every police and sheriff’s department in the country should be prepared for possible violence.
Memphis police director Toney Armstrong said his department was ready for any possible problems.
“We received a lot of inquiries about our level of preparedness. I have briefed the mayor and been in constant communication with the mayor to ensure you that we are more than ready,” he said week.
Armstrong has also talked to the NAACP and church leaders to spread the word that any protest should be done in an orderly and lawful way.
