LAFAYETTE — Although the name of the shopping center is in the Facebook Event, the owners of Ambassador Row say protesters aren't welcome on their property.
A protest event planned for Saturday states supporters are invited to "...walk the walk....back in forth on the corner of Johnston and Ambassador Caffery (aka Ambassador Row)."
We reached out to the Houston company that owns and manages Ambassador Row, and they tell us that they've already told Lafayette Police that they don't want any protesters on their property.
Lafayette Police spokesman Sgt. Wayne Griffin confirmed.
"They told us they don't want anybody on their property, and they signed a letter of trespass," Griffin says.
Anyone who parks on the property for the protest - in other words, not visiting any of the stores there - can be towed and any protesters on the property can be cited for trespassing, he said.
Yesterday, we told you that law enforcement agencies across the country are bracing for unrest in the wake of last week's riot at the US Capitol. The FBI is warning that armed protests are being planned in all 50 states.
So what's being done in Louisiana and Acadiana to keep things safe?
Lafayette city officials say they are aware of events scheduled in Lafayette over the next week. On Tuesday, the Guillory administration met with the Lafayette Police Department, setting a plan in place.
"You can expect to see more policemen on the street, more patrol, more of the trailers with the cameras," Jamie Angelle LCG's Chief Communications Officer said.
Officials aren't releasing specifics on their security plans, but Angelle said they are fully prepared.
"We're going to be prepared for anything," Angelle added. "I want to make it clear, this is not the place to come and do the things you saw last Wednesday."
Lafayette agencies are not the only ones taking precautions. Louisiana State Police issued this statement Tuesday afternoon:
“Louisiana State Police is aware of the planned protests at the State Capitol and is working closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to coordinate security protocols. As with previous protest events across the state, the Louisiana State Analytical & Fusion Exchange continually monitors potential security concerns and will be providing pertinent information to our public safety personnel to ensure safety for protesters, Capitol grounds and staff, and the surrounding community.
In coordination with Capitol staff and the Department of Public Safety Police, LSP will have personnel in place to ensure a safe environment and to protect the rights of our citizens to hold a peaceful gathering.
We will not be able to provide specific information regarding protest security measures and cannot comment on the security protocols concerning the Governor’s Mansion and Louisiana State Capitol.”
"If you want to gather, rally, we respect the constitution, respect first amendment rights, but you will not break the law. If you do, you'll be dealt with accordingly," said Angelle.
Meanwhile Governor Edwards says he is in contact with federal agencies about protests planned at the State Capitol.
