BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON

EDENTON — The Town of Edenton recently issued an official statement regarding the “Rebels at the Battery” demonstration planned for Saturday, August 9, at the Confederate Memorial located at the intersection of South Broad Street and West Water Street.

Official Town Statement

In a statement made Aug. 2 and released Aug. 4 that was signed by Mayor W. Hackney High, Jr., Police Chief David LaFon, and Town Manager Corey Gooden, town officials acknowledged the planned protest while outlining expectations for lawful demonstration.

“We affirm the constitutional rights of all individuals and groups to peacefully assemble and express their views, as protected by the First and Fourth Amendments,” reads the statement included below. “The Town supports the free expression of ideas, provided such expression remains lawful and respectful of the broader community.”

The town’s statement specifically addresses permissible activities, noting that protesters may use public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, and town-owned areas for peaceful demonstration, provided there is no obstruction of traffic, interference with pedestrian access, or damage to public property. The statement explicitly prohibits blocking building entrances or preventing the free movement of passersby.

Officials warned that any acts of vandalism, harassment, or physical intimidation “will be met with appropriate enforcement actions under local and state law,” emphasizing that the town “will not tolerate any behavior that disrupts local commerce or threatens the safety, peace, or day-to-day life of our residents and visitors.”

While confirming that law enforcement agencies have developed a comprehensive public safety plan, the town stated it would not release specific security details “for operational security reasons” to maintain “the integrity and effectiveness of our safety protocols.”

For inquiries related to public space use or permits, the town directed residents to contact the Edenton Police Department at 252-482-5144 or Town Hall at 252-482-2155.

About the Planned Rally

The Confederate heritage rally is organized by the Tarheel Flaggers and the Southern Independence Association. Billed as “Rebels at the Battery,” the event will begin at 11 a.m. and continue throughout the day. A flyer for the gathering invites “fellow flaggers” to join in making their “voices heard at the Edenton, NC Confederate Monument.”

The monument, erected in 1909 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, has become a flashpoint in recent years amid growing legal and political disputes over Confederate iconography in public spaces. The upcoming August rally is expected to draw participants from across the state and possibly beyond, as supporters of Confederate monuments continue to mobilize in opposition to their removal or relocation.

The Southern Independence Association describes itself as an organization committed to preserving Southern culture and history, while the Tarheel Flaggers are known for staging public demonstrations involving the display of Confederate flags.

No mention is made in the flyer of scheduled speakers or specific programming for the event.

Legal Context

The rally comes as a key court hearing is set for later in August concerning the future of the Edenton monument. The Sons of Confederate Veterans recently received an update on the case from their attorney, Steven Rader.

It remains unclear whether counter-protesters will be present at the August 9 event. In the past, similar rallies have drawn both supporters and opponents of Confederate symbolism.

As of Monday (Aug. 4), there are no announced road closures or permits listed for the event.