Counter-Protest To Arlington 'Back The Blue' Rally Planned

ARLINGTON, MA — Two area organizations are planning a counter-protest to the "Back the Blue" rally in Arlington Thursday. Arlington Fights Racism and the Greater Boston Peace Coalition are organizing the demonstration, which will take place at Whittemore Park.

Attendees are asked to meet at 3:45 p.m. for the counter-protest, which organizers say will include speeches, music, chants, marching and a "Black Lives Matter" vigil. Participants should wear a mask and bring hand sanitizer, and organizers ask that they do not interact with the "Back the Blue" rally.

Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine expressed his concern over the pro-police rally, slated for Thursday at Town Hall Plaza. In a statement Monday, he said he agrees with supporting the Arlington Police Department but feels there are better ways to do so, given a purported connection between organizers and a controversial group called "Act for America." The Arlington Human Rights Commission also condemned the group this week.

Chapdelaine said Wednesday that organizers have disavowed any affiliation with the hate group.

The Arlington Police Department has asked both the organizers of the rally and the counter-protest to coordinate with them to ensure a safe event:

"We would like to request that the organizer of the counter-protest event scheduled for tomorrow 9/10, please contact us. Any organizers for this event, please reach out to Captain Flynn at 781-316-3907 in an effort to ensure safe organization of the counter-protest. We will try to reach the organizers directly as well. Thank you!"