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Residents call for investigation after rifle-brandishing incident at downtown protest; criticize police response
Summary
Multiple residents told the Lafayette Common Council they witnessed an armed man point a rifle at protesters at a downtown demonstration, described inconsistent or dismissive responses by law enforcement, and urged a transparent investigation and better protection for future demonstrations.
Several residents used the public-comment period at the Lafayette Common Council's April meeting to describe an armed confrontation that took place during a downtown protest and to urge a fuller, more transparent response from law enforcement.
Erica Allen, who said she volunteered as a safety marshal during the protest, described what she characterized as an "aggressive" confrontation in which a man returned to his vehicle, retrieved an assault rifle and "walked into the crowd pointing it at 1 point directly at my husband." Allen said she was the 911 caller and that she offered three times to give a full statement to officers but was told she was not needed; when an officer later spoke with her, she said, "he cut me off and said, 'I have a hard time believing your story.' He then told me, 'what you're saying never happened' and walked away." Allen asked the council to ensure transparency and accountability in the department's investigation.
Stacy Bridal, who identified herself as a volunteer with the 50/51 organization and as the primary point of contact for the event, said she had contacted police and sheriff's office staff in advance and had attempted to secure required permits and insurance for the planned demonstration. Bridal said she was told event insurance was not available for political demonstrations after January 6 and that she coordinated with county staff to use the plaza area.
Multiple other speakers described seeing the man retrieve a firearm and said they were alarmed by what they perceived as a delayed or incomplete law-enforcement response. They included Erin Moonwalker, Tanya Lake, Luke McConnell, Sarah Dawber, Leslie Glossick, Amanda McKinney, Kelly Jones and Nate Alt. Several witnesses said they had photos or video and that officers did not ask to take their statements or review their footage before issuing a public statement about the incident.
Teacher and resident Luke McConnell said the Lafayette Police Department's initial investigation language that the firearm "was not knowingly intentionally pointed at any individual" conflicted with the accounts and video circulating in the community. "The presence of an assault weapon in such a volatile situation poses a clear and present danger," he said, and he urged a thorough independent review.
Other speakers noted what they saw as inconsistent enforcement: attendees said some drivers who "rolled coal" or expelled exhaust on protesters were not cited while others who honked in support of the demonstration were stopped. Several said they were traumatized and feared they might not be able to safely protest again without a stronger protective presence.
Council members did not take formal action at the meeting on the incident during the public-comment period; speakers repeatedly requested the council ask for an investigation and greater transparency from the Lafayette Police Department and the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office. A city statement from Sergeant Verma, posted after the protest, said that organizers had not requested police protection; several speakers disputed that account and said they had made contact with law-enforcement staff in the days leading up to the event.
Article ending: Speakers asked the council to facilitate a review of how the incident was handled and to consider whether policy or training changes are needed so residents can safely exercise free-speech rights at public events.
