Knoxville, TN (WOKI /KPD) – This (Saturday) afternoon, KPD officers monitored a large rally in the downtown Knoxville area. The rally was a part of the nationwide “No Kings” initiative. KPD engaged with the event organizer, Indivisible Knoxville, ahead of the rally to open lines of communication, establish expectations and understand the plans for the demonstration.
Over 1,500 individuals participated in the rally, which took place primarily at the intersection of Western Avenue and Henley Street. A small group of around 100 individuals also broke away from the main rally and marched around the downtown area.
There were no significant issues, though the KPD is investigating a minor hit-and-run that occurred on Summit Hill at Gay Street during the demonstration. The preliminary investigation determined that a motorcycle parked in the left turn lane of Summit Hill and the motorcyclist exited the motorcycle. Seconds later, the unoccupied motorcycle was then clipped by a pickup truck that left the scene. The motorcycle was damaged and towed from the scene, but no injuries were reported. Efforts remain ongoing to identify the driver of the pickup truck.
The demonstration concluded at approximately 2:30 pm. No arrests were made.
