Fresno police, community leaders gather at River Park in response to civil unrest rumor
A social media post threatening violence and rioting at local businesses went out on Monday and though it was debunked by Fresno police and the Fresno State NAACP, some store owners at the River Park Mall had their storefronts boarded up, just in case.
There was police presence at the mall late Monday night.
There was again Tuesday as the police department and community leaders gathered to stand together against violence at 3 p.m., just south of the Edwards Cinema main entrance.
They were there in response to the rumors of riots and civil unrest movements, according to the police department.
“This is not a planned press conference but will be a community outreach with the hope for peace and growth in our community,” read the deparment’s post on its social media.
The threatening social media post Monday that called for targeting businesses came one day after a peaceful protest that drew more than 3,000 in downtown Fresno calling for racial and economic justice following the killing of George Floyd during an arrest by Minneapolis police.
Four police officers have been fired and one, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Floyd.
River Park will have extra security at the shopping center just in case, said spokeswoman Tracy Kashian on Monday. Some stores have decided to close, with the decision about staying open left to each business, she said. At least a few are boarding up windows.
“We believe in peaceful protest,” she said. “It’s something we feel should be allowed. We just feel it should be peaceful.”
The River Park Farmers Market, which would have run 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, was canceled on Monday.
“Safety is always our first mission and we’re not going to take any chances,” said Peter DeYoung, who organizes the market.
“We’re going to cancel for this week and err on the side of caution.”
Curfew in Fresno?
While cities across California and the country have enacted curfews, Fresno has not.
“The Fresno Police Department is aware of the social media post threatening civil disobedience throughout our city. These threats are being investigated,” Chief Andy Hall said in a news release sent Monday.
“I will be adjusting the mission of several units and there will be increased patrols and tactical units addressing the City’s commercial businesses. Air support will be working with undercover units as we keep a watchful eye on those who would victimize our city for personal gain in the name of a tragedy. Tactical units will be prepared to address any crime that threatens our community. If you see suspicious activity or a crime being committed please call 559-621-7000. If you have an emergency please call 911. At this time, as the Chief of Police, I am not recommending a curfew be placed on a community that just successfully had one of the largest peaceful demonstrations in this country.”
This story was originally published June 2, 2020 at 1:27 PM.