A peaceful protest slated to take place June 5 on the lawn of the Marshall County Courthouse could clash with supporters of the Second Amendment looking to prevent property damage, according to Sheriff Eddie McGuire.
McGuire said he has received screenshots of social media posts from individuals hoping to prevent riots or property damage by standing guard over the peaceful protest.
“I’ve seen some of the pro-Second Amendment guys, I think that’s what they call themselves. I’ve encouraged them to stay down at 11th and Olive, which is down the hill from where the courthouse is.”
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and Benton Police Department will provide security at the protest, with the Kentucky State Police assisting to form an outer perimeter. McGuire said he has been in contact with protest organizer Hope Davis, and both are committed to ensuring a safe event.
“She [Hope Davis] says she has every intention of keeping things peaceful and everyone that she’s been in contact with has the same desire,” McGuire explained.
McGuire said he expects the vast majority of protestors to be peaceful. However, he said a small group can create problems.
“Ninety percent of the folks there will be there for the right reasons. We just have to make sure the other ten percent don’t get out of hand,” McGuire said.
The protest is slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday. More information may be found on the event’s Facebook page.
