Protest Calling For NJ To Reopen In Point Beach On Memorial Day

POINT PLEASANT BEACH — A protest calling for New Jersey to reopen its economy and "celebrate Memorial Day with a patriotic march to promote freedom" is planned for Memorial Day in Point Pleasant Beach.

"Freedom March of NJ" is planned to take place in Point Pleasant Beach on Monday beginning at 10 a.m., according to the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department. Reopen NJ, the group behind the protest, said it will happen between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Point Pleasant Beach police say they expect to see large crowds for the event, which will be held at the Silver Lake parking lot at the corner of Arnold and Ocean avenues.

Point Pleasant Beach police, along with federal, state and county officials, say they are closely monitoring social media in order to prepare for the gathering.

"We respect everyone's constitutional rights to assemble and peacefully protest," said Chief Joseph. A. Michigan. "However, in abundance of caution, residents and visitors should expect to see a very high visible law enforcement presence on this date and during these times."

Michigan said the department shares "in everyone's frustrations and anxieties that this pandemic has caused. We all hope for the day to come that we will go back to some sense of normalcy. Our hope is this comes sooner than later."

As with any planned event, Michigan said, the department put operational plans in place to "ensure the safety of everyone."

"Monday's protest will be no different," he said. "We will be prepared and ready to handle any incident."