ABQ officials condemn racism, white supremacy ahead of planned rallies

Police chief says demonstration, counterprotest will be monitored

As word spread of planned “White Lives Matter” rallies to be held on Sunday across the country, Albuquerque officials and activists issued statements condemning white supremacy and racism.

The rallies are being organized by Proud Boys groups “to revive the white racial consciousness and to unify white people against white hate,” according to the Anti-Defamation League.

In Albuquerque, activists say they know local Proud Boys and white supremacists will hold a rally at Civic Plaza on Sunday morning. Activists are planning a counterprotest.

“We refuse to let them bring their violence to our beautifully diverse city because white supremacy has no place here,” a Facebook page for the event says.

An Albuquerque Police Department spokesman said the agency has been in touch with the organizers of the counterprotest. He said officers will be monitoring the situation and will be prepared to respond as necessary.

Mayor Tim Keller and Police Chief Harold Medina echoed the counterprotesters’ sentiments.

“The planned protests this weekend by supporters of white supremacy have nothing to do with free speech, and everything to do with promoting racism and violence,” Medina said in a statement. “As Chief of Police, I want to forcefully speak out against these actions, and warn these individuals that we will not allow them to instigate violence.”

Keller stressed that the city supports groups that are often targets of white supremacists and is “dedicated to meaningful investments in Black Lives Matter, civil rights, equity and inclusion, and immigrant and refugee affairs.”

“Together, we can strengthen our communities and create true safety through innovative and compassionate paths toward transformative justice,” Keller said in a statement. “A ragtag group of racists doesn’t stand a chance of shaking anyone’s resolve to do real anti-racism work.”