Boston Protests: 5 Facts To Know About The Event After Charlottesville

Boston became the latest city to host a so-called free speech rally Saturday with thousands of protestors and counter-protestors converging on downtown. The protest comes on the heels of violent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, last week.

The "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville fought against the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, which inspired many to counter-protest. Virginia Gov. Terry McAullife would later declare a state of emergency after a woman was killed when a car plowed into the counter-protestors.

There is plenty of important details to know about the Boston protests.

There Are Two Competing Protests Occurring

Most of the protestors in attendance today stand against Nazism, as the event's Facebook page shows 14,000 people listed to attend the "Fight Supremacy" rally. However, far-right protestors are expected to participate in the "Free Speech Rally." According to ABC affiliate WCVB, many fear that the "Free Speech Rally" is a white nationalist rally similar to the one that occurred in Charlottesville.

KKK National Director Thomas Robb is expected to attend Boston's "Free Speech Rally," according to the Boston Herald. Robb told the publication Friday, "I don't think they’re going to cause a disturbance. Our members don’t stand out, they don’t walk around giving Nazi salutes, they might be your next door neighbor or Cub Scout leader."

Other Massachusetts KKK members are reportedly preparing to participate in Saturday's protest.

Police Are Preparing For Potential Violence Ahead

More than 500 police officers will be on hand at Saturday's rally. The Boston Police Department released a community advisory warning ahead of Saturday's protest to its website Thursday. The BPD has prepared themselves in the event that violence breaks out between the dueling protests.

"The Department has a comprehensive operational plan in place," the BPD wrote on its website. "While details of the plan are not for public release, those in attendance at the event can expect a large police presence of both uniformed and undercover officers."

The BPD has also cultivated a list of items that are not permitted at the rally, which the organization believes will help to "provide a safe and peaceful environment." Fireworks, coolers, grills, flag poles, alcoholic beverages, pets (excluding certified service animals), bicycles and any form of weaponry are among a long list of items that aren't allowed on rally grounds. Backpacks, large bags and strollers are subject to search.

Several Police Surveillance Cameras Have Been Installed

The BPD wrote on its website, "The Department will be deploying fixed video cameras and mobile video support teams to assist with keeping the event safe for all who attend." Although locations of said fixed video cameras weren't confirmed on the local department's website, The Washington Post reports that the police have installed new video surveillance cameras at the Boston Common, a public park in downtown.

"We don't want a repeat of what happened in Charlottesville. Boston is too united. We have a city that doesn’t tolerate hatred and bigotry," said Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said.

Other Similar Protests Are Happening Nationwide

Boston isn't the only U.S. city having a follow-up protest to the events that hit Charlottesville.

Rallies are expected in several cities across the country. New Orleans and Dallas are two cities that are gearing up to protest. According to the Los Angeles Times, law enforcement in both cities plans to deploy extra officers to ensure public safety.

Boston's Mayor Urged People To Avoid "Free Speech Rally"

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh requested that local residents stay away from the "Free Speech Rally," which he fears could erupt into a violent spectacle.

"They say that interacting with these groups just gives them a platform to spread their message of hate," Walsh said at a press conference. "They recommend that people should not confront these rallies. So we're urging everyone to stay away from the [Boston] Common."