Charlotte Is Gearing Up for Protests at the Panthers Game

Law enforcement in Charlotte are said to be on high alert as the city awaits today’s Carolina Panthers game and the protests expected outside it.

Charlotte has been the scene of intense violent and nonviolent protesting since Keith Lamont Scott was killed by a police officer on Tuesday. According to SB Nation, protesters are planning to block entrances to Bank of America Stadium. Local authorities have responded by bringing in the heavy machinery.

Charlotte has declared today’s game an “extraordinary event,” a designation that essentially gives authorities more authority during large-scale events expected to attract large numbers of people. Most significantly, it allows police to stop people from bringing certain items into the area surrounding the “extraordinary event.”

There was some consideration given to cancelling or postponing the game, but alas, the Panthers and Vikings will play as scheduled at 1 p.m., eastern.