News File Photo Alpena Police Department’s Lt. Eric Hamp, who is now chief, talks to participants before the March for Our Lives walk in Alpena in June of 2022. Hamp urged those at and near the event to remain peaceful and respectful to each other and their views. He urges the same on Saturday when there are a pair of political events in Alpena.

ALPENA — Police officials in Alpena believe a pair of rallies slated for Saturday in Alpena will not mirror the ones in other parts of the United States where violence has broken out.

However, the events are on their radar and they are ready to respond if problems arise.

On Saturday, members of the Alpena County Republican Party are holding the Peace Rally where they hope to show peace and solidarity and celebrate Flag Day.

At the same time, members of the Alpena County Democrat Party are promoting a local No Kings rally. The No Kings Protest is also being tabbed as A Day of Action and is a nationwide event in which communities large and small are participating.

Alpena Police Chief Eric Hamp said he has communicated with the organizers of the two events and they have pledged that the rally and march will be peaceful. Still, he said he will have an officer at each of the events to make sure things go smoothly.

“The rallies are on our radar and we will actively work these events,” Hamp said. “Our role is to make sure they are peaceful, as advertised, and make sure the sidewalks remain clear for pedestrians.”

There have been a few instances over the last several years where police were called and needed to respond.

In June of 2022, at a March for Our Lives march, which was geared toward supporting stronger gun laws, there were counter protesters across the street. Many of the Second Amendment supporters utilized their Right to Bear Arms and openly carried their firearms. That sparked concern for some of the people from the March for Our Lives and the police were called. Hamp, who was a lieutenant at the time, responded and talked to the people on both sides of the street and the situation settled down until the march ended at Culligan Plaza where several gun-rights supporters were seen with assault-style, semi-automatic rifles slung around their bodies.

The event ended with no violence and only some yelling from one side of the street to the other.

In April of this year, there was a minor altercation at Culligan Plaza during a “Hands Off!” protest but there were no arrests after police completed its investigation.

Michigan State Police Sgt. Michael Oliver said the state police staff in Alpena are aware of the rallies and also of the political tension that is rising across the country. He said allowing people to express their views and opinions during marches, rallies, and protests are important, but making sure they are done peacefully is just as important. Oliver said the department is ready to respond, should things get out of control, but he doesn’t anticipate any large issues.

Still, Oliver said, people who are at the events should be mindful of the environment and what is going on around them.

“If you see things are starting to escalate, leave and don’t put yourself or your family at risk,” he said. “If you see something suspicious, say something. We’re ready for anything that could happen, but we’re not expecting it to become violent.”

The No Kings Rally is slated to begin with a march that begins at about 10:20 a.m. at Starlite Beach. Participants will march down State Avenue to city hall in downtown Alpena where the rally will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Saturday is being labeled as No Kings Day across the U.S. and many protests toward President Trump’s administration and to counter the military parade in Washington, D.C. are planned. Saturday also marks the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday and Trump’s birthday. It is also Flag Day.

The Peace Rally, which will be held at the Alpena County Courthouse, begins at noon and ends at about 3 p.m. According to organizers, anyone who is proud to be an American is invited and encouraged to bring with them American flags and attire. They say the event is to show the world Alpena is a peaceful community and that it is possible to bring people together for a peaceful cause.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.