Rumors of ANTIFA protestors in Florence brought out armed citizens to the streets of Old Town last night. A large group organized by a local Florence resident was out on the streets Thursday night after hearing about Black SUVs that were driven by ANTIFA members. Florence Police Commander John Pitcher confronted the group and told them there was no confirmed threat to the community. They were asked to return to their home and they did, but this morning social media was still carrying on with the conversation worrying local residents of a possible danger. Coast Radio News contacted Florence Police Chief tom Turner to ask him about the rumors.
202: “We simply haven’t found any of them credible. We didn’t see any threats at all in Florence nor have we heard of any that have come true that have had rumor information come their way.”
Turner says he is concerned about an escalating incident that might come from misinformation and that law enforcement is tasked with protecting the public. Turner says more fear could come from armed citizens on the streets than from an actual protest situation.
203:”They need to consider that if they’re posing that kind of threat, more people are going to call in about them than any real threat that might be out there”
Turner said had there been a real threat, Florence police would have taken proper steps to secure public safety, but to reiterate, he says no credible threat had been located.