In a surprising turn of events, the anticipated “Frederick Rally for Liberty & Justice” organized by the Frederick County Conservative Club, scheduled for Wednesday, May 3rd 2023, has been cancelled amidst a wave of controversy. The rally, which aimed to bring together conservative voices and promote their values in support of Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, has sparked heated debates and raised questions about freedom of speech, public safety, and the role of political gatherings in today’s society.
Adding to the discourse, Sheriff Chuck Jenkins has shared his perspective on the matter, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the cancellation.
[READ: Frederick Sheriff Indicted on Gun Charges]
The decision to cancel the rally came after intense pressure from various community groups, activists, and concerned citizens who expressed concerns about the potential for the event to incite violence or spread divisive rhetoric. Critics argued that the rally could create an environment that fosters hate speech and intolerance, undermining the principles of inclusivity and diversity that many in the community hold dear.
Supporters of the rally, on the other hand, viewed the cancellation as an infringement on their right to free speech and assembly. They argued that the event was intended to provide a platform for conservative voices to express their opinions and engage in constructive dialogue. The cancellation has ignited a broader conversation about the delicate balance between protecting free speech and ensuring public safety.
The Jen Charlton Show on WFMD radio, Frederick’s Free Talk AM station, released a public statement about the Wednesday night rally as a spearhead and spokesperson for the event:
We are changing the event location and date for Wednesday night’s Rally at Baker Park, to a future date and time to be determined, due to the inability of the Frederick City Police Department to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. The intention of the rally was initially to stand up for equal justice and against government abuse of power by weaponizing government agencies against business owners and elected officials from the opposing political viewpoint.
This event was also intended to show our support for the Office of the Sheriff and Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, indicted but NOT convicted. We believe a man is innocent until proven guilty and that EVERYONE deserves that condition of respect and benefit of the doubt until legally and lawfully proven otherwise, without political persecution, retribution, or lawfare tactics.
During the discussions with the Police Department, we were proactive in working through security issues. Apparently, someone started a rumor that BLM “might be there”. At no time was I concerned based on multiple conversations with the police department, however, some supporters of Jenkins expressed worry that the event could reflect poorly on the Sheriff’s case.
Further, although we believe that Baker Park public spaces should be available for use without condemnation, fear and intimidation, we do not want to put anyone at undue risk. While, as Americans, we whole-heartedly believe it is our constitutional right to gather and to speak about our concerns for our nation without the fear of retribution, harm or death, we know that this is not always the case. While this started out as a way to gather in support of our Constitutional rights, the power and importance of the Office of the Sheriff, and specifically our Sheriff Jenkins, and other important issues, the threats and intimidation from the progressive left movement, and the Frederick City Police Department’s apparent Stand Down Policy, became a greater concern for safety. We simply were not willing to put individuals at risk of harm or arrest.
Our rights to speak openly are fundamental to our democracy and republic. Shuttering our voices, whether for fear of legal retribution, or physical harm, is totally unacceptable and MUST NOT BE TOLERATED.
This is NOT America. This is Anarchy and it exists in all levels of government, agencies, and society. We have truly lost our republic unless we can recover and keep it.
Thank you to the Frederick County Conservative Club and Patriot Picket for their unending commitment and support for freedom and liberty FOR ALL !
New event to be announced in the near future so stay tuned!
With Love and Respect,
The Morning News Express Podcast that also airs on the local station also covered the cancellation. The description of the podcast episode is as follows: “A rally in Frederick to express support for the 2nd Amendment and Sheriff Chuck Jenkins was canceled at the last minute due to concerns over potential violence at the location. Jen Charlton, the host of the “Jen Charlton Show,” along with Patty Price from Our Voices for Freedom, joined Bob Miller and Ryan Hedrick to discuss the latest details. Fred Propheter, from the Frederick Conservative Club, also explained the cancellation and its underlying reasons.”
[READ: Jenkins: ‘I Can Still Support the Role of Sheriff’]
Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, a prominent figure in Frederick County, acknowledged the concerns raised by the community but also emphasized the importance of protecting free speech rights. He highlighted the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and upholding the First Amendment. Sheriff Jenkins expressed his commitment to maintaining order and security during public gatherings, emphasizing the need for responsible event planning and cooperation between organizers and law enforcement.
Frederick Police Department released a statement in response to WFMD and the Frederick County Conservative Club:
FPD would like to address the recent claim made by the Frederick County Conservative Club regarding the cancellation of their rally. The Frederick Police Department has and will continue to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of rally participants, just as we would for any other 1st Amendment event in the City of Frederick.
“Yesterday I was made aware of Ms. Charlton’s concerns surrounding safety at the rally that was originally scheduled for this evening in Baker Park. I reached out to her personally to get a better understanding of the issue, at which point I learned that Ms. Charlton was under the impression FPD was not going to provide adequate security for her event,” said Chief Lando. “I assured her that was not the case and that we had been planning internally and coordinating with external partners ever since we saw her flyer circulating online. I did explain to Ms. Charlton that it would have been helpful if police had been invited to be a part of the planning process from the start, rather than learning about the event by way of a Facebook post just days before it was set to occur. We will always do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors, but it does add an extra layer of complexity when we are forced to create a safety plan on the fly and with very little information.”
The Frederick Police Department remains committed to providing the highest level of service to members of our community, and we will continue to work collaboratively with event organizers and other stakeholders to ensure the success and safety of all events in our city.
[READ: Local Coalition Demands Elected Officials Call for Sheriff Jenkins’ Resignation]
The controversy surrounding the cancelled rally, coupled with Sheriff Jenkins’ perspective, has prompted a community-wide dialogue about the importance of open discourse and the responsibility of event organizers to consider the potential consequences of their gatherings. It has highlighted the need for thoughtful and respectful conversations that bridge ideological divides, rather than exacerbating them. Moving forward, it is crucial for event organizers to prioritize inclusivity, diversity, and public safety when planning political rallies or gatherings. This includes engaging in open dialogue with community members, addressing concerns, and taking proactive measures to ensure that events are conducted peacefully and respectfully. Sheriff Jenkins’ input serves as a reminder of the role law enforcement plays in maintaining order while respecting individuals’ constitutional rights – even if law enforcement is the cause for congregating in the first place.
The cancelled Frederick County Conservative Club rally, with Sheriff Chuck Jenkins’ perspective, has become a focal point for discussions on freedom of speech, public safety, and the role of political gatherings in our society. While the cancellation has disappointed some and raised concerns about the suppression of conservative voices, it has also sparked important conversations about the responsibility of event organizers and the need for respectful dialogue. As communities continue to navigate the complexities of political expression, it is essential to find common ground and foster an environment that encourages understanding, inclusivity, and constructive engagement, while also ensuring public safety and upholding constitutional rights.
Photo Credit: FNP