Westborough PD Explain Large Presence At Weekend Vigil

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Westborough residents gathered on Saturday for a peaceful Anti-Racism Vigil in town. Several residents questioned the large police presence at the peaceful demonstration. Westborough police issued a statement on Sunday, addressing the concerns:

"Over the last week we’ve received intelligence from multiple sources indicating there may be agitators from outside communities attending this event and it raised concerns given what we’re now seeing across the country. Westborough Police Department’s command staff worked with event organizers, state, and town officials who agreed taking a proactive approach for the safety of our community while protecting the right to assemble was paramount," the statement read in part.

The vigil was one of several demonstrations held across the country in reaction to the death of George Floyd, the Minneapolis man who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck. The demonstrations call for an end to police brutality and systemic racism.

At the Westborough vigil, young men and women spoke to the crowd about anti-racism and supporting people of color. State Senator James Eldridge joined the activists in urging residents to be active about being an ally.