Salem Common Gaza War Protest: Police Vow No Tolerance For Violence Or Destruction

SALEM, MA — Salem police said on Wednesday morning that they are aware of plans for a demonstration on Salem Common protesting the war in Gaza and that they will "not tolerate violence or destruction."

Police did not say which group was planning the protest — or give any indication why they might expect the demonstration to become unruly in any way — and assured they will be "respecting free speech." But they did issue a statement of awareness ahead of the protest to assure residents they would be vigilant.

"We will enforce applicable laws while respecting free speech," police said.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)