Big Idea 

• People expected another Black Lives Matter protest in Prescott on Friday, 9/11
• Local anti-protestors were determined to protect the downtown area from any violence, damage or looting
• Sheriff Mascher gathered an impressive array of law enforcement in preparation for the event
• But, no BLM protestors showed up on Friday, so the anti-protestors held a memorial service for 9/11 instead

It’s always good to have a “Plan B”!

Things got a bit testy when a group of Black Lives Matter (BLM) supporters came to Prescott on September 4th, only to be met by local, armed and angry residents. So, when there were reports that another BLM protest was scheduled for September 11, people in the Prescott area were on alert.  

Sheriff Mascher released a statement letting people know that there would be plenty of law enforcement on hand, noting, "Contrary to some social media posts, I have not asked for assistance from any community groups. The Sheriff’s Office is working with the Prescott Police Department and others and will have adequate resources to handle this event. It is our goal to keep the demonstration peaceful and safe for all present.”

On social media, the discussion was strong amongst local residents and those that consider themselves patriots. The AZ Constitutional Conservatives page offered advice and warnings, such as use your cell phone camera, don’t engage unless absolutely necessary, be 100% AWARE of AZ firearm laws and OBEY them, know and obey the law, stay alert and know before you go. 

But by Thursday evening, another story started circulating on Facebook, which was that BLM was not coming. 

Friday morning, one Facebook person pointed out that nobody really knew what would happen as far as BLM/ANTIFA coming to Prescott. Were they already here, were they coming or did they cancel their protest? No matter what, something would happen, even if it was simply an opportunity to commemorate and honor those lives lost on 9/11. 

The Yavapai County Sheriff Deputies were taking no chances, however. There was red tape blocking the center part of the Courthouse plaza with the Roughrider sculpture, where most people typically congregate. Cortez and Montezuma Streets were both blocked off. There were more Sheriff Deputies and Prescott Police Officers on foot and on bicycles than one could easily count. 

Friday afternoon, hundreds of anti-protestors showed up, many of them quite noticeably armed. They wore patriotic shirts, caps, vests and carried American and Blue Lives Matter flags.

But the BLM protestors? Well, not so much. It was said that a few circled the courthouse rather quietly. But, there probably were less than ten, and with hundreds of armed patriots, intent on standing up for their community, no confrontations broke out.

Later, Medya Arliers, who brought passages to read at the 9/11 Memorial, (she loosely led the event,) explained, “Everybody was so worried about what happened last Friday and were talking about that, so we decided we needed to do something in the City of Prescott, and we just came out. It was sort of an impromptu thing, not a professional [event], you know... The nation is mourning, and we cannot ever forget that. It has nothing to do with anyone else.”

So the people who came prepared for a fight, instead gathered on the Courthouse lawn, while surrounding a passionate woman with a bullhorn and sang hymns and patriotic songs. They listened to people talk about 9/11 and those that sacrificed so much. Frankly, the event was not super polished, or organized with precision, but it was very much from the heart.