"Silent March" Planned For Downtown Dallas Friday
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DALLAS (CBS11) - A rally is being planned in Dallas for the day that will mark three weeks since five officers lost their lives as a Black Lives Matter protest wrapped up in downtown.
Organizers with Next Generation Action Network originally planned the "silent march" for last Thursday.
But after Dallas Police asked the group to postpone the event, DPD and NGAN landed on July 29.
The rally is set to carry a similar format that the protest had on July 7, when investigators said Micah X. Johnson targeted officers.
"I won't be here," said Ebony Smith.
Smith was downtown during the last rally and had to rush her children to safety and bullet flew near El Centro College.
"I think that's bold. I think somebody is trying to get a point across. But I don't know if that's the safest thing to do," said Smith.
The rally is set to happen at Main Street Garden Park, a few blocks away from the shooting scene.
"It's too fresh right now. The wounds are way too open right now," said Smith.
Organizers of the protest said they picked Downtown Dallas once again because they feel it is the core of DFW.
"The eyes of the world are on Dallas right now. And again, we're going to continue our mission," said David Villalobos with Next Generation Action Network.
Villalobos said his group is working closely with police on plans and have agreed on the date and location despite it being so close to where tragedy struck earlier in the month.
"We could have the same thing happen to protesters or officers but we have to cooperate with Dallas Police Department and we will continue to help secure safety for both parties involved," said Villalobos.
Smith said while she supports protesting and the message, she does not want to be around any big crowds.
"I don't live in fear, but I do live in wisdom," said Smith.
Dallas Police released a statement on Monday saying officers are aware of the rally and is preparing to have resources in place to make sure officers and protesters are safe.
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