Wednesday night the City of Boston will welcome the New Year with its annual First Night Celebration. The usual street closures and parking bans will take effect in different parts of the city, but officials are expecting something new: protestors.
Police are expecting a couple hundred people to turn out for a so-called “die-in” in Copley Square — just before the First Night parade steps off. Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans says his force is prepared — but he urges protesters to remember First Night is a family event.
"We respect their right to protest, but I’ve done this for the last 25 years," Evans said. "I’ve brought my own kids to this event, my wife has, and if you walk down there, there’s all 2-, 3-, 4-year-olds there. And I don’t think they should have to see behavior they have nothing to do with."
Cities across the country are preparing for continued protests in response to recent police-related deaths in Ferguson, Mo., and New York City. First Night organizers hope to attract visitors from around New England, and say they respect everyone’s right to free speech. They reiterate that they don’t expect any safety concerns.
Hear from two people affiliated with First Night Against Police Violence who are planning to protest during Boston's First Night:
