Defund the Police Rally in Boise on Tuesday, Counter-Protest Expected

By Greg Pruett • June 29, 2020

A number of cities across the country are seeing protests to “Defund the Police.”

The various protests have differing views on exactly what “defunding” means.

In some places, defunding means scaling back the budgets of some police departments and moving those resources to other programs. In other places, defunding appears to also mean the complete disbanding of a police department.

The city of Boise will see a rally on Tuesday, June 30th to “Defund the Police.”

The Boise chapter of Black Lives Matter is hosting the event which will be held at Boise City Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

It should be noted that there are now two Black Lives Matter – Boise groups on Facebook.

However, the one hosting the “Defund the Police” rally appears to be working on an official organization set up. Their website is still under construction and the site says they are currently applying for non-profit status.

BLM Boise also lists several “Partners” on their website.

One of the partners, “Babe Vote,” is also a co-host for the Defund the Police rally. Babe Vote is a national organization dedicated to registering young people to vote.

The website also lists “Reclaim Idaho” as an official “Partner” of Black Lives Matter – Boise.

What does BLM Boise want from the city of Boise and their police department?

Here is what they say on their website:

As the City of Boise is currently making decisions about the next financial year’s budget, now is the time to let the mayor and our council members know that our community wants to see real change.

We need to speak up and advocate for defunding the police. Defunding the police means refunding social services.

There are a number of things that BLM Boise lists on its website as changes they are seeking.

Some of those include addressing the strength of the police unions, banning armored vehicles, canceling the militarization of the police, repealing the sealing of police records, stopping no-knock warrants, passing a law that equates police killings to “lynching” and other reforms.

Those attending Tuesday’s event are encouraged to wear masks, eye protection, gloves, and to social distance while at the event.

In addition to the “Defund the Police” rally, several counter-protests will also be taking place.

The “MAGA Girl Idaho Chapter” will be meeting in front of the Dharma Sushi restaurant between 5:00 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

We asked Carrie Fleming, the President of the MAGA Girl Idaho Chapter, why they were counter-protesting the Defund the Police protest and she told Idaho Dispatch,

Our goal is to peacefully show that we do not agree or stand with the BLM ideology of “Defund the Police” rally. We are there to show our appreciation, support and loyalty to our Men and Women in Blue that put their lives on the line every single day.

Another group called the “Idaho Liberty Dogs” is also planning to meet at the corner of 6th and Jefferson at 5:10 p.m. and then marching to Boise city hall. Both groups are asking those attending to bring American or “Blue Line” flags to show support for local law enforcement.