A peaceful assembly planned in Kinston, several businesses closing early

The Kinston Police Department (KPD) has been made aware of local high school and college students planning a peaceful assembly this afternoon on private property along Queen Street in Kinston. The students assured KPD their presence is designed to bring awareness to current situations in the country.

“I strongly support peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd,” said City Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon. “But, the destruction of property that has occurred in the wake of some protests nationwide has been a disappointment and counterproductive.”

With destructive riots following peaceful protests in other areas of North Carolina, local area business owners are closing shops at 3:00 pm according to various Facebook posts. According to Mayor Don Hardy, Walmart will be closing at 5:00 pm.

“Even our police department is in support of the peaceful protest. What we cannot support and what we cannot uphold is the destruction of our community and our businesses,” Solomon said.

Mayor Hardy will be in the area of the protest and will monitor the situation.

“We want to make sure our city is safe and nothing destructive happens like in Greenville or across the country,” said Mayor Hardy.

The assembly is a result of the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer that sparked protests across the country.

The Lenoir County Courthouse is in the middle of downtown Kinston and was the site of a peaceful protest recently.

“Commissioners are aware [of today’s protest] and trust our citizens will conduct themselves appropriately,” said Linda Rouse Sutton.

Attempts to get a comment from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office have been unsuccessful at this time.

Neuse News Correspondent Kristy Bock contributed to this story.