The Hoover Police Department released a statement on Wednesday pledging to “ensure the free flow of traffic,” adding that they would not allow “any protest activity” on public school grounds in the city.
This came after protesters blocked parts of I-459 and I-65 on Tuesday night. They previously disrupted traffic on busy Highway 31.
Protesting the police-involved fatal shooting of Emantic “E.J.” Bradford on Thanksgiving night, activists have also vowed to take to middle and high schools in Hoover.
Combined with the protesters’ disruption of private businesses that had nothing to do with the Riverchase Galleria shooting incident, the interstate protests have citizens in the area concerned, with calls for the city to make arrests.
“The Hoover Police Department has the safety of our citizens and visitors, and their ability to peacefully conduct their lives, as our highest priority,” the city’s statement began.
It went on to say that the police department is “monitoring the protests” but they also “respect any citizen’s right of free expression.”
The statement then added the stipulations about protesting on school grounds and the “free flow of traffic.”
“Most cities experiencing protests have found that the best practice, in general, is to allow them to be conducted as long as they are nonviolent,’’ the statement outlined. “Hoover residents should go about their normal activities.”
“We also advise citizens to take every measure to avoid expressions of anger and frustration during protests, and to not make retaliatory or hostile comments on social media or other communications,” it continued
Police advise residents to report any suspicious activity by dialing 911 or 205-822-5300.
— City of Hoover (@CityofHoover) December 5, 2018
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
