Protesters gathered downtown Friday afternoon in response to a rumored white supremacist rally.
At noon, several hundred people, including Duke students and faculty, gathered on Main Street and proceeded to march to the Old Courthouse, where earlier this week, Durham protesters toppled a confederate statue near East Campus.
The Durham Sheriff's office has repeatedly tweeted that reports of a KKK rally have not been verified, and encouraged residents to not rely on rumors. No permits have been issued by the City of Durham.
Amid rumors of a rally on campus, The Chronicle reached out to Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations. Schoenfeld said that events on campus must be sponsored by a recognized group.
"Any event or speaker on campus has to be sponsored by an academic department, a student organization or some other recognized entity," Schoenfeld said.
In a statement Friday morning, Sheriff Mike Andrews said that the Sheriff's Office was preparing for a rally.
"The Sheriff’s Office is thoroughly researching the potential of several groups with opposing viewpoints holding demonstrations in Durham,” Sheriff Mike Andrews said in a statement. “This is partly why the Sheriff’s Office continues to remind demonstrators to first obtain a permit and most importantly, abide by the law. I expect demonstrators to conduct themselves in such a manner that is legal and respectful of the Durham County community. Again, I call upon city and county leaders to establish rules for demonstrators.”
Check back for updates to this developing story.
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