Melrose Protest Cancelled
On the evening of May 30, Melrose Police became aware of a planned protest in response to the death of George Floyd. The protest was originally scheduled to begin at 3pm on May 31 in Gooch Park. Protest organizers subsequently cancelled the event. Despite being cancelled, a few Melrose Police officers will be available at Gooch Park at 3pm to speak with attendees who may be unaware of the cancellation. Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle has requested standby resources from the North East Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) who will be available if necessary.
“George Floyd should be alive today and the way he was treated by law enforcement is tragic and wrong. I understand the frustration members of our community are feeling at a time like this because I share it. Ensuring that their right to safely and peacefully assemble is protected and supported remains my goal,” Chief Lyle said. “This is at the heart of the community policing model practiced here in Melrose.”
Chief Lyle and Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur appeared together on the Mayor’s and Melrose Human Rights Commission’s virtual vigil held Friday evening. In addition to members of the clergy and other community leaders, both the Mayor and Police Chief spoke, decrying the death of George Floyd and encouraging all to work together to make change.
“Friday’s vigil was a powerful statement about both the injustice that persists in cities and neighborhoods throughout the country and how committed Melrosians are to ensuring that we remain one community open to all,” Mayor Brodeur said. “While this particular gathering has been cancelled, I want to ensure everyone’s safety as our community marks this unacceptable loss of life and the systemic injustices it represents. And to be crystal clear, the right of all our residents to gather peacefully to protest or rally for change is one that I will always defend and I encourage people to exercise.”
Residents should expect to see two to three Melrose police officers in their usual uniforms on patrol at Gooch Park. Residents may also note officers from other communities on bicycles and motorcycles at a separate location. Both Lyle and Brodeur confirmed that while this gathering has been cancelled, it is the City’s obligation to ensure that each resident’s right to protest is protected. All residents are reminded to practice social distancing, to wear a mask, stay home if medically vulnerable, and wash their hands frequently.
“Chief Lyle and I are eager to work with anyone who wants to ensure that Melrose is a welcoming place where all residents and visitors are treated equitably with respect and dignity. When the nation confronts an injustice like the death of George Floyd, the Melrose community gathers together to support each other and to stand together for positive change. It’s more important than ever that we embrace the work of making Melrose the just and thriving community it is called to be. I hope that this is the start of many conversations which will result in the changes our city, state, and nation need to make,” Mayor Brodeur said.