Vigil to be held in downtown Salisbury
47 ABC received a flyer Tuesday night advertising a die- in and justice vigil on the downtown plaza in Salisbury Wednesday.
Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton says, “We want people to come and peacefully gather. That is their right.”
Mayor Jim Ireton is welcoming the peaceful gathering and is asking for the communities support. It’s unclear right now just who is organizing this even. However, authorities say they are actively trying to find out.
The flyer explains the event is for Freddie Gray, a Baltimore man who went into a coma and died in police custody. It’s also in honor of Winfield Fisher, a Salisbury man shot and killed by an officer in 2014 outside the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barracks.
In that case, during a drug investigation in Fisher’s car, he reportedly pinned the trooper to the car and dragged him before the officer fired. The trooper wasn’t found at fault.
In light of the violence that erupted in Baltimore after demonstrations went awry, Salisbury has been placed on a level 2, which is a quote “watch.”
The level notifies all city departments of an event. City officials have gone door to door with flyers for local businesses in the downtown area. Officials are suggesting businesses consider closing for the night after regular business hours.
Nathan Hanley, the manager of the Market Street Inn says, “We’re just staffing an extra security member. We’re obviously just hoping everything is peaceful and being done the way it’s said it’s going to go.”
Chris Culver, the owner Cellar Door says, “If the current situation gets a little bit dangerous, or it’s not safe to operate then we’ll probably end up shutting down early.” While they are ready, law enforcement assure that they don’t expect anything to get out of control.
Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan says, “We are not anticipating any problems tonight and we are certainly ready to provide a safe atmosphere and a safe location.”
To ensure what officials are calling a “safe” outlet for this vigil, and also to promote good will, the city is providing portable restrooms, water stations, and extra trash and recycling areas for those participating.
