Five arrests were made after police in riot gear pushed a crowd of protesters out of the roadway in downtown Saratoga Springs Wednesday night on the eve of the summer tourism season.
Protesters in Saratoga Springs gathered in response to controversial remarks from the city’s Assistant Police Chief John Catone during a June 28th press conference and a contentious city council meeting the following week.
In what began as a press conference to address a stabbing and shots fired incident in the early morning hours of June 26th, Catone placed blame on police reform advocates, ranting against so-called “want-to-be-elected officials” and called on the “silent majority” to “stand up and be heard.” A July 6th city council meeting was briefly halted by Democratic Mayor Meg Kelly as angered residents and regional advocates audibly reacted to speakers condemning Catone’s remarks during a public comment period.
Hours before the demonstration began Wednesday evening, Catone released a statement that said in part he “allowed anger and frustration to interfere” with his intended message of calling people together to denounce violence. His words did not offer an apology.
The demonstration that began in Congress Park continued as protesters marched down Broadway and along sidestreets before police moved in with vehicles and horses.
After a five minute warning was given from police following protesters on Caroline Street, arrests began as city and county officers in riot gear pushed protesters up Broadway to Congress Park.
All individuals arrested would be released, SSPD Public Information Officer Bob Jillson told WAMC Wednesday night.
The group Saratoga Black Lives matter is demanding a public forum with city officials, and an apology from Assistant Chief Catone and the entire Saratoga Springs City Council.
Wednesday's events echoed a police response to a Black Lives Matter protest following a pro-police "Back the Blue" rally in Saratoga Springs on July 30th, 2020. Unlike the demonstration nearly one year ago, police on Wednesday did not use pepper bullets or confront protesters with an armored vehicle.
