North Ridgeville police issue statement ahead of planned 'No Kings' protest Saturday

North Ridgeville police said Friday they are preparing for one of the planned "No Kings" protests taking place across the country to come to their city. Protests are planned to take place from 10 a.m. to noon today in two locations in Lorain County. An official one is in front of the Lorain County Community College North Ridgeville campus at 32121 Lorain Road in North Ridgeville. According to NoKings.org, the peaceful protests are against President Donald Trump, who turns 79 years old today — which is also Flag Day in the United States and the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army — and who has ordered a grand parade in Washington, D.C., at a cost estimated between $25 million and $45 million, according to The Associated Press. No Kings organizers have called the day of protest "a direct response to Donald Trump's self-aggrandizing" parade and birthday celebration, "an event funded by taxpayers while millions are told there's no money for Social Security, SNAP, Medicaid or public schools." In a news release Friday, North Ridgeville police said officers would be on hand for the event and asked for "the cooperation of the community" and for "everyone involved to contribute to a peaceful and safe gathering," while also warning motorists of possible traffic delays. The North Ridgeville Police Department "supports the right to free speech and peaceful assembly. Officers will be present to facilitate a safe environment for all participants and members of the community. We encourage all attendees to remain peaceful, respectful, and law-abiding throughout the event," the news release said. North Ridgeville police are "committed to protecting everyone's right to be heard while also ensuring the safety of the public, the event participants and our officers," it wrote. "While we do not anticipate any issues, the department is fully prepared to respond swiftly and appropriately to any unlawful behavior or threats to public safety." Another protest is planned from 10 a.m. to noon at the northwest corner of Center Road/state Route 83 and Detroit Road in Avon. A message seeking comment on that event was left for an Avon Police Department spokesman. Protests are expected in hundreds of cities and towns across the nation with as many as 1,800 possible, according to organizers and media reports. Full information on the nationwide protests can be found at NoKings.org. Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com.