HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2017-08-16 Mayor's Statement
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
August 16, 2017
Media Contact:
Betsy Arnett, Public Information Officer
barnett@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2734
Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk Issues Statement About Potential
Rallies in Leesburg
Leesburg, VA (August 16, 2017) – In response to community concerns following the events in
Charlottesville this past weekend, Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk issued the following statement
this afternoon:
“Prior to the horrific events in Charlottesville on Saturday, August 12, 2017, a group known as
United Patriots planned to hold a ‘Rally to Defend Our History’ in front of the Loudoun County
Courthouse on Saturday, September 16, 2017. In the wake of the Charlottesville tragedy, that
group has cancelled their event. Permits to use the Loudoun County Courthouse grounds are
issued by Loudoun County. At the present time, United Patriots has not submitted an
application to use the courthouse grounds on any other date.
“The Loudoun County NAACP also planned to hold an event on Saturday, September 16, 2017,
beginning at the Town Green in front of Town Hall and proceeding to the courthouse. At this
time, they have not applied to the Town for a permit to use the Town Green or any other Town -
owned public property including public streets.
“The Town will not issue permits for the use of public property to groups that intend to incite
violence or disrupt the peace.
“I would like to assure the public that the Leesburg Police Department is working closely with
the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police to be prepared to maintain
safety and protect the public in the event that an unscheduled rally takes place. We will
continue to monitor the situation closely and advise the public as necessary.”
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