Houston creates protest zone amid security plans around NRA annual meeting at George R. Brown Convention Center

On Friday, the Harris County Democratic Party is hosting a protest called the “Don’t Look Away Rally” from noon to 3 p.m. on the downtown green space.

Several other organizations such as Houston Black Lives Matter, Houston Federations of Teachers, Moms Demand Action and FIEL will be attending the protest.

The Harris County Democratic Party says the protest is designed to “call for swift and decisive action on the gun violence that continues to ravage our neighborhoods, schools and families.”

In a statement to ABC13, the organization’s chairman, Odus Evbagharu, explained the security approach to Friday’s protests:

“We are working with Houston city officials to ensure everyone is free to speak out and to ensure the NRA feels Houston’s presence. The city has created a protest zone which we will respect to the best of our ability, just like any other action we take. We will all remain aware of our surroundings.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner’s office also released a statement on the protest:

“The City of Houston is aware that several organizations have planned demonstrations near the George R. Brown Convention Center. Mayor Turner has spoken with Houston Police Chief Troy Finner and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. As with all major events, HPD and OEM have a public safety plan to ensure the safety of convention-goers and those exercising their First Amendment right to demonstrate. Mayor Turner is asking everyone to remain peaceful out of respect for the families of the 19 children and two teachers who were killed in their classroom at Robb Primary School in Uvalde.”

The NRA meeting is scheduled to begin on Friday and last through Sunday and is expected to draw 55,000 attendees.

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