The city of Salem bans 4th of July celebrations, allows Black Lives Matter event drawing up to 1,000 protesters

The city of Salem, Oregon has given the go-ahead for a large Black Lives Matter gathering to be held today but canceled a 4th of July fireworks celebration over health concerns relating to the spread of COVID-19.

In a notice posted on the city’s official facebook page, the city of Salem stated that it would be allowing a Black Lives Matter “Solidarity Rally” to take place beginning at 11am, local time.

“A portion of Court Street will be closed as a result,” reads the statement. “The event, coordinated by Salem Community Organizers, is expected to draw up to 1,000 people. They plan to gather on the State Capitol steps and begin with speakers and performances at noon. The group does not plan to march on city streets and has reserved the State Capitol steps and Capitol Mall through Oregon Legislative staff and Oregon State Parks respectively.”

During the march, vehicles are prohibited from driving through the venue for most of the day until the protest ends at 5pm.

Just as Salem allows for a large Black Lives Matter protest to go ahead, the city has canceled its 4^th of July celebrations over concerns about the novel coronavirus and banned citizens from having outdoor gatherings.

“The City of Salem wants to wish our community a safe and happy holiday weekend,” reads the official statement. “As a reminder, our Fourth of July fireworks presentation at Riverfront Park has been canceled this year. Phase 2 guidance continues to require limits to outdoor gatherings to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19.”

The city also urged its citizens to continue “maintaining adequate social distance, refraining from smoking, and keeping pets on their leash.”

“All City parks close at sunset and the use of fireworks is prohibited anywhere on park grounds,” it said.

It seems that the virus only affects people who want to celebrate America’s independence, but not those who want to tear it down.