March on Suburbs comes
to Plainfield
By Gus Pearcy
Plainfield was the site of a March on the Suburbs in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, July 4.
The demonstration was at town hall with about 100 people with a smaller faction on the opposite side of the street in the parking lot.
Plainfield Police Deputy Chief Joe Aldridge said despite a group of counter-protesters wielding at least two long rifles, the gathering was peaceful.
“We were able to provide them a safe space to exercise their First Amendment rights,” Aldridge said. “I mean, that’s our job, to make sure everyone can be here and assemble safely.”
Aldridge said a few extra officers were brought in to maintain the order. He did not identify the organizers, but said police were contacted several days ago to arrange the march. He did say the male arranging the protest, was not a Plainfield resident.
The protest began at 4 p.m. and was over by 6:30 p.m.
“It’s not our job to have much of an opinion on it,” Aldridge said about the protest, “other than when someone wants to come and exercise their right to demonstrate, it’s our job to protect them and keep them safe. We are peacekeepers.”
March on the Suburbs has three more events scheduled according to a Facebook post. All protests begin at 4 p.m. They will take place next Sunday in Carmel, then Monday in Avon and wrapping up July 19 in Fishers.
