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Peaceful protest organized to counter National Socialist Movement rally

The National Socialist Movement will be conducting a rally in Williamsport at Brandon Park.

The City of Williamsport in conjunction with federal, state and local partners, is working diligently to ensure this event does not disrupt the community, according to a news release Tuesday by Mayor Derek Slaughter in conjunction with Williamsport Bureau of Police Chief Damon Hagan, who serves as director of public safety.

In order to ensure a safe event and to protect the group’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech there will be a very large law enforcement presence at the rally and several road closures will occur in and around the Brandon Park area, the news release said.

“We encourage all of our community members to avoid Brandon Park on April 18 due to law enforcement activities,” Hagan said. “You may not be permitted to enter or leave Brandon Park for an extended period of time,” he said.

To denounce this hateful rally, the city is hosting a positive community event called “Dare to be Different.” This event will take place at Bowman Field from noon to 4 p.m. on April 18, officials said.

“We encourage all members of our Williamsport community to visit Bowman Field from noon to 4 p.m. April 18 in a show of solidarity; letting the NSM know that Williamsport is no place for hate and that our community members will not acknowledge such a hateful rally,” officials said.

Williamsport always has been and will continue to be a welcoming community for everyone, according to the release.

Specific details are still being developed for this event due to several community organizations indicating their willingness to participate

However, the public can anticipate a free event with various activities for all ages.

Additionally, the city will be hosting town halls for the public to provide details regarding both events

All citizens are encouraged to attend, Slaughter said. City officials will answer any relevant questions from the public, he said.

The first town hall will take place on Tuesday, March 17 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium inside of the Klump Academic Center on the campus of Pennsylvania College of Technology located at 1034 West Third St.

In recent years, law enforcement agencies have learned how to better manage disruptive events held by groups like the NSM.

This administration is following law enforcement’s advice closely and we will be keeping the public informed.

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