Madison cops plan for the National Socialist Movement rally in Wisconsin's Capital City. The largest Nazi group in the United States is scheduled to rally on the Capitol steps — and law enforcement is not taking this lightly. Capitol Police Chief David Heinle won't say whether they'll use tear gas or stun guns, but did say they'll use “an appropriate level of response to deal with the issues to ensure a safe event.” “Our goal is to protect people's safety as well as property. We're working with our partners in law enforcement as well as the city of Madison to help ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. We're taking a variety of precautions to help ensure people will be safe.”
The number of people turning out for the event is uncertain, but Heinle says they are planning for hundreds. “We'll have a presence of more than 300 uniform officers from the Capitol Police, the Madison Police Department, Dane County Sheriff, University of Wisconsin Madison Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol.”
Heinle says they've studied the tactical plans from other venues where the National Socialist Movement has held rallies. He says their plan includes establishing separate areas on the Capitol Square for speakers, supporters and members of the media; anyone and everyone could be subject to a search; plastic fencing will separate the event from the general public; traffic around the event will be re-routed; and they'll close the parking stalls in the area. He wouldn't say exactly whether the cops would be donned in riot gear. “They will be dressed in the appropriate attire to deal with civil unrest if need be.”
Heinle encourages people to follow the advice of Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, which is to express your opposing view elsewhere in a safe environment, perhaps at a different time and different day. The Capitol itself will be open, but with limited entries.
NOTE:
Nazis rally at 2:00pm
No Nazis at 1:00pm
Related web sites:
National Socialist Movement
No Nazis email