Protest in downtown Phoenix called off after alleged threats of violence

PHOENIX — A Black Lives Matter rally in downtown Phoenix was canceled Wednesday night after alleged threats of violence against protesters.

ABC15 crews did see a small group of protesters who continued to march after the event was shut down.

Organizers say threats of physical and gun violence against victims, families and organizers of the march made it nearly impossible to guarantee the safety of those involved.

Members say in light of the shootings in Kenosha and heightened tensions locally, they encourage anyone who had planned to attend, to march in a local protest planned in coordination with the National March on Washington 2020 on August 28.

Leaders tell ABC15, they “didn’t have the numbers” and they vowed to organize another march next month - but says they need the crowd “to double in size.”

Phoenix police released the following statement about social media threats toward the protest groups:

"The Phoenix Police Department takes all threats seriously. Detectives have investigated the posts and have not been able to identify any specific individuals or any credible threats in connection with these posts. The department will continue to monitor and assess any threats that come to our attention."