Point Pleasant Beach authorities are closely monitoring a planned Memorial Day event that is expected to draw hundreds to the community in protest of all Governor Murphy’s COVID-19 executive orders set in place to control the coronavirus pandemic.
Chief Joseph A. Michigan said organizers from ”Freedom March of NJ” expects to hold a demonstration in the Ocean County community around 10 a.m.
The following is a statement released to the Point Pleasant Beach community from Chief Michigan:
”The police department is aware of an organized rally called the “Freedom March of NJ“ planned to take place in Point Pleasant Beach on Memorial Dat beginning at
10 a.m.
Based on similar protests, we have seen around the State of New Jersey, we
expect to see large crowds for this event.
The location is the Silver Lake Parking Lot at
the corner of Arnold and Ocean avenues.
The Point Pleasant Beach Police Department along with other Federal, State and County partners are closely monitoring social
media in order to prepare for this gathering.
We respect everyone’s constitutional rights
to assemble and peacefully protest, however, in an abundance of caution, residents and
visitors should expect to see a very high visible law enforcement presence today
and during these times.
We share 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. We hope that this happens sooner than later.
As with any planned event, we put operational plans in place that ensure the safety of
everyone.
Today’s protest will be no different, we will be prepared and ready to handle any incident”.