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At Downtown #Provo. About 100 feet south of what appears to be counter protesters congregating on the corner of Uni. Ave and Center St. I’ve seen at least 3 long weapons being carried. Things appear amicable and calm. Anyone going to the protest, be safe.
I’m closer now. They are discussing splitting up into groups, assigning team leaders, as well as videographers. More guns spotted including handguns.
They are also warning the gun owners to not fire.
Warning folks to not point guns or make threats. Saying to “let protesters protest.”
“If protesters become violent...you have a right to protect yourself and the community.”
The leader is saying to record any offenses potential protesters will engage in. Report through the chain of command. #provo
“You have a right to detain offenders.” “Drink a lot of water, don’t get hangry...be cool, calm, and collected.”
Former police officer is now speaking. Handing out rules
Warning people that some of these protesters are part of fringe groups, want them to shoot.
“If your barrel goes up, there’s a good chance you will be shot by an undercover cop.”
“You can defend yourselves with your hands.” There are other methods of defending yourself other than shooting.
A lawyer attending: “if you shoot, expect to spend your fortune defending yourself. Shooting is an absolute last resort.”
People just want to talk. Excervuse your first amendment rights — members in the protests and counter protest
Man in counter protest crowd shouts “I love you” to African American speaking to the counter protest crowd.
Counter protest organizer accuses a protester of having a can of spray paint to deface property. Person urging people to defend the temple if attempts are made to vandalize it.
Counter protest group about to disperse. Ended with a prayer. I’ll keep posting updates to protests events as I observe them.
Heavily armed, camouflaged individuals at the counter protest. When asked who they are with one said “concerned citizens.”
BREAKING: imma stop tweeting for a bit cause I gotta use the restroom. William Gentry, your reliable source of news.
Group started marching across Center St. Heavy police prescence
There is a good boy, repeat, there is a good boy. If things go south and there’s violence, y’all best protect this good boy.
Pro- #Trump banners being waived.
At the corner of 300 West and Center, counter protesters are standing off across from BLM protesters
Asking one of the camouflaged individuals who they are with. He said no one currently. There is nothing to identify them or their affiliation. “We’re just concerned citizens” here to keep things peaceful.
@acluutah obeserver is here observing the events.
Main body of BLM protesters cheering on fellow protesters crossing the street. Things are peaceful.
Just as a disclaimer if it’s needed, @sltrib @DeseretNews, and all other media outlets can use my tweets and photos. Please reach out if you need any witness accounts. Thank you
Interview with a BLM protester pt 1. He does not speak for the group.
Interview with a BLM protester pt 2. He does not speak for the group.
BLM protest crowd is growing larger
Journalist from channel 2 interviewing counter protesters: “we’re here to protect our town and property.”
Armed counter protesters on 3 corners of the intersection while BLM protesters on just 1.
I interview a counter protesters. My first question, which was trimmed, was asking why he was here. He said it’s to make sure things don’t get out of control. He gave me permission to post on social media.
The heavily armed, unidentified camouflaged individuals let me take their picture. They have patches on their right arms which say “U08” “U26” “U28” etc
Counter protester shouting “George Floyd was a pornographer,” both sides mocking each other. Things are peaceful, BLM crowd overflowing onto police barricaded side of the street.
Provo Police officer says he does not know who the heavily armed citizens are with. Passerby’s honking in support of BLM protests
BLM organizer condemning the violent acts of previous nights. I’ll update his speech
“Be nice to everyone, but defend yourself if you need to defend yourself. You see them with the guns. We come because we are peaceful.”
“Let’s spread a message of unity, of loving one another, of helping one another.” New speaker
A member of the part of socialism and liberation speaking now. Here on behalf of minorities and idigenous peoples
She is condemning driving through protesters for a total of five times a few nights prior.
“You don’t drive through protesters without devauling their lives.” Accuses local media of twisting the story.
“To be sure, we do not condone the actions of the shooter.”
Brief confrontation between protesters and counter protester.
“Utah has its own unique history of racism...Mormon Church has never apologized for past racist policies.”
BLM organizer: we received death threats. People said they will shoot, run over, and hang us.
Hey everyone, thanks for following. I’ll continue to update. Some of y’all are asking for me to live stream. Unfortunately my phone wouldn’t last too long if I live stream.I’m considering covering future protests (if Provo doesn’t become docile again lol) and I’ll livestream then
Man on counter protester side of the street holding “the Standard of Liberty,” a reference to Book of Mormon character Captain Moroni.
Man drives man yelling “Trump 2020,” counter protesters shouting from across the street as organizers give speeches.
Spoke with counter protester organizer. Said the camouflaged group reached out to the event which was created by Facebook page called Utah County Citizens Alarm. He wasn’t sure what they were called—“UT40 or 50, I’m not sure”—said they saw the event posted by the group.
“I was safer in Mississippi than I am in Utah.” Says BLM speaker
“George Soros ain’t sending anything so please donate.”
