EDITOR’S NOTE: Following is the text of the Asheville Police Department’s press release in response to a July 3 threat it had received from Antifa.

Asheville, N.C. (July 3, 2022) — The Asheville Police Department received a concerning email this morning regarding potential upcoming demonstrations.

The email threatens that the police department would be met with “further action” if certain demands are not met. That further action is not specified. 

The department is in the process of vetting the authenticity of the email. 

“While Asheville prides itself on protecting free speech rights as well as people and property, the email received today runs counter to that spirit," said Asheville Police Chief David Zack. "Tomorrow, as we celebrate our nation’s birthday, there may be more demonstrations. As we continue to protect the public, we are asking for help from community members, demonstrators, and elected officials: if you see or hear any evidence of someone who is intent on committing violence, destroying property, or breaking any state laws or city ordinances, please report that information to the police."

The Asheville Police Department’s role in any demonstration is to make sure that the first amendment rights of demonstrators are protected and that laws are followed. We have done that in the past and will continue to do so in future demonstrations.