Officials in Springfield, Massachusetts, say they've learned through social media that several unauthorized group events are being promoted on city properties and they have issued a warning.
Gatherings with vendors and no permits won't be tolerated. Springfield's health commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris said with COVID-19 still active, her department will use its power to shut them down.
“I am saying this because I do not want anyone to think that this is a result of law enforcement being punitive. It really is about saving lives,” Caulton-Harris said.
Most of the time, large group protests don't require permits because of free speech freedoms under the First Amendment. A Springfield city spokesperson confirmed that organizers don't often request permits.
Still, the permit reminder comes a few days after Mayor Domenic Sarno had a large Black Lives Matter mural removed. It was painted on downtown property without the city's permission.
Another recent event at Springfield's Court Square connected to the Black Lives Matter movement promoted Black-owned businesses — and some sold food. Organizers called it a "protest."
