Charlotte Boosts Security for Panthers Game Amid Protests

Grant Halverson/Getty Images(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) — The Carolina Panthers’ scheduled home NFL game on Sunday has been designated an “extraordinary event” by the team’s hometown of Charlotte in light of the daily protests being held in the city over the police shooting death of an African-American man, Keith Lamont Scott, early last week.

The city is working to bolster security in advance of the game scheduled for 1 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium, where the Panthers will host the Minnesota Vikings. Giving the event this special designation enables Charlotte under a city ordinance to put in place certain restrictions, according to a Charlotte police press release.

The release cites “intelligence sources” indicating that protests or disruptive activities are likely to continue Sunday.

“A variety of intelligence sources indicate that protests and acts of disruption will continue in Center City, Charlotte. Considering there will be large open crowds with public access, there is potential that harm could take place if a so motivated individual or group had the desire to do so,” the release says. “In order to provide a safe and secure environment, we will need to expend significant public safety resources during this event.”

The release does not specify what additional measure might be taken, but suggests that the special designation from the city will enable officials to “modify its permitting process for activities such as parades and specifies particular items that are prohibited from being brought into certain boundaries of the event.”

Peaceful demonstrations and violent clashes have shaken the city of Charlotte every day since Tuesday night, after Scott, who is black, was killed by a black police officer.

The shooting took place in an apartment complex parking lot not far from the stadium, and protests moved within a few blocks of that area starting on Wednesday.

The scene grew especially tense Wednesday night when police clad in riot gear fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators. Some people in the crowds threw bottles and rocks at officers and passing cars, blocked an interstate highway, surrounded and jumped on vehicles, looted businesses and stormed the entrance of a Hyatt hotel, injuring two of its employees.

A protester was shot by another civilian and later died.

The protests have since continued but have been largely peaceful, including on Saturday after video of Scott’s shooting was released by police.

The Panthers game may draw special attention Sunday as the team’s star quarterback Cam Newton is among the league’s most well-known black players.

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