peaceful protesting Public Comment from Rebecca BauderFrom:Rebecca Bauder
To:Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL] peaceful protesting
Date:Monday, July 6, 2020 1:25:06 PM
I urge the City Council to develop policies which keep the veterans’ monument in Depot Park from becoming a
rallying point for armed protestors. I did not attend the Black Lives Matter event because I was too frightened. I
live in Bigfork and there was a small group of us gathered near the fire station a few days before—maybe 10-12 of
us with Black Lives Matters signs. Two men carrying weapons stood 10 feet or so in front of us, staring at us and
making disparaging remarks. When I learned from several Kalispell downtown business owners that militia-type
individuals were telling them they would be there to “protect” downtown during the Depot Park rally, I knew it
could be dangerous. I am 73 years old and saddened that our community could be restricted in our right to gather
because of the presence of these armed and hostile individuals and groups. Thank you. Rebecca Bauder, Bigfork.