The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is still working to finalize its safety plan for the ReAwaken America Tour scheduled to stop at Cornerstone Church in Batavia this weekend.
Originally planned for the Main Street Armory in Rochester, the conservative political event was canceled due to community backlash.
In late July, it was announced the Genesee County church would host ReAwaken America.
Police say they do not except violence at weekend event
Last week, clergy members reportedly asked Cornerstone Church to consider canceling the event, but the church has stood firm in its choice to host ReAwaken America.
The Daily News reports a Batavia resident spoke out against the event at Monday night’s City Council Conference Meeting.
“I am absolutely horrified by the response that I, as a citizen, have received from public officials, public servants…in regards to the ReAwaken America Tour,” said resident Danielle Clark.
The publication also spoke with the Sheriff’s Office’s Deputy of Road Patrol Brian Frieday Tuesday afternoon.
He said the Sheriff’s Office doesn’t anticipate violence at this weekend’s event.
Police are apparently still formulating a safety plan for the event, which includes the deployment of the city of Batavia’s Emergency Response Team.
More: Trump takes the fifth in NY AG’s civil probe
Church leader says he feels “intimidated” by AG James
In a letter sent on August 3, New York Attorney General Letitia James cautioned ReAwaken America organizers that her office could take legal action if “extremist” rhetoric expressed by speakers results in violent or generally illegal conduct.
Cornerstone Church Pastor Paul Doyle said the event isn’t promoting violence in any way. He claimed the letter caused alarm among his about 150-200 member congregation.
“It feels like she’s trying to intimidate me. We’re a small-town church,” Doyle said.
A few dozen people gathered outside the church to protest the event earlier this week, reports U.S. News.
Doors open at 6 a.m. on Friday at the church located at 8020 Bank Street Road in Batavia.
The People’s Convoy of New York will be in attendance, according to the tour itinerary.
Tour poster
