Proud Boys moves through western Michigan amid counterprotests
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WWMT) — Members of the Proud Boys group moved through western Michigan on Saturday.
The group originally planned to hold a rally in Arcadia Creek Festival Place in Kalamazoo, an outdoor area and event space. After hundreds of counterprotesters and police arrived at the location, the group began to move through the city.
Police had a large presence throughout the demonstration and could be heard over speakers telling crowds to clear from the area.
The Southern Poverty Law Center lists the Proud Boys as a hate group because of what the center says is the group’s frequent denigration of Muslims and Islam, misogynistic rhetoric, and its role as a gateway to other extremist groups.
Kalamazoo city leaders said the Proud Boys did not reserve any park space or request a permit to host an event in the city, but Kalamazoo Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain said groups don’t necessarily need a permit to protest in the city.
A church reserved Arcadia Creek Festival Place at the same time the rally was set to start in what organizers said was a counterprotest against the Proud Boys.
Pastor Nathan Dannison said they have to stand up for their fellow community members.
“It’s up to the rest of the community to stand up and say these are people and we’re not going to stand by while you come to bash them or do violence to innocent people," Dannison said.
Chamberlain released a statement from the city Thursday saying Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is monitoring the situation and would be ready to respond if necessary.
"Bigotry and hatred in any form are not acceptable in Kalamazoo – nor is violence – and the City is prepared to act quickly if necessary," the statement said.
