On Friday afternoon, the City of Kirkland released the following press release regarding a now-canceled March on Google event:

Earlier this week it was widely reported in the press and through social media that an event called “March on Google” was being organized that would involve protests at several Google facilities throughout the country, including the Kirkland Google Campus. Other groups began to organize a counter-protest at the various Google sites, including Kirkland. The original March on Google has now been cancelled.

In response to these events, Fuse Washington has organized a march that Fuse Washington has named “March Against Hate in Kirkland.” According to Fuse Washington, this march and rally will take place in Kirkland on Saturday, from 12:30-2 p.m. The event will start in Everest Park and may continue to Feriton Spur Park along the Cross Kirkland Corridor in between the Google buildings. The intent of the organizers is that this will be a peaceful demonstration.

The Kirkland Police Department, in consultation and coordination with the city manager’s office and other city departments, has been carefully monitoring the evolving situation all week and preparing for many different scenarios. The Kirkland Police Department is in close contact with the organizers of the Fuse Washington and has every expectation that this will be a peaceful and orderly event. Kirkland police have no indication that any other groups will be attempting to disrupt the march.

The Kirkland Police Department and other city departments will have additional resources present on Saturday to ensure a safe environment for those involved in the rally, as well as to protect the residents and businesses of Kirkland. Neighboring jurisdictions have been kept apprised of the events in Kirkland and are also on standby to provide additional support if necessary.

Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris would like to assure all Kirkland residents and businesses that the safety of the community remains the top priority for police. “In close collaboration with city leadership, the city manager, protest rally organizers and neighboring police agencies, we expect a very peaceful event, but we have proactively prepared for all contingencies. Our collective goal is to provide a safe environment for our community and the peaceful exercise of the First Amendment.”