Statement from Gov Josh Shapiro on Upcoming Demonstrations Across Pennsylvania | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Ahead of this weekend's planned demonstrations and protests across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro released the following statement:

"The right to peacefully protest and exercise our First Amendment is a sacred American right - and here in Pennsylvania, we will always protect it. At the same time, we will always remain focused on keeping our communities safe and ensuring all demonstrations remain peaceful. As Governor, I will stand in defense of this constitutional right and work to ensure all Pennsylvanians can exercise it safely and peacefully.

"With demonstrations and protests planned across Pennsylvania this weekend, I want to be very clear: all protests and demonstrations must remain peaceful, lawful, and orderly. Violence is not an answer to any political differences, destruction and chaos are unacceptable - and neither will be permitted here in Pennsylvania.

"My Administration is coordinating with the Parker Administration in Philadelphia and local officials and law enforcement all across the Commonwealth to make sure that demonstrations this weekend are lawful and peaceful. Colonel Paris and the Pennsylvania State Police are working closely with local police departments to ensure they have the resources and support they need. Together, we are prepared to keep our communities safe while protecting Pennsylvanians' fundamental rights - and we will be working around the clock to ensure both the rights of protesters and the wellbeing of our cities and towns are protected.

"So long as I am your Governor, I will continue working every day to protect our freedom and keep our communities safe. Here in the Commonwealth William Penn founded on the promise that it would be welcoming to people from all walks of life, we can and must do both."

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