Lafayette Police Department Press Release Re: Lafayette Police Respond to Incident During Peaceful Protest
Lafayette, IN – April 6, 2024 – On Saturday, April 5th, the Lafayette Police Department (LPD) responded to a disturbance near the intersection of 3rd and Columbia Streets during a public protest.
Officers arrived on the scene following reports of a verbal altercation between a protest participant and a passing motorist. Witnesses stated that the exchange escalated when the protester made physical contact with the motorist, who then retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and walked through the protest area.
For the safety of all involved, LPD officers quickly located and temporarily detained the individual at a separate location. A field interview was conducted, and officers began a preliminary investigation.
At this time, initial findings indicate that the firearm was not knowingly and intentionally pointed at any person.
However, the presence of a firearm in a tense, crowded public space understandably caused alarm among community members.
The Lafayette Police Department is actively reviewing video footage and other available evidence to determine the full scope of the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and LPD urges individuals who directly witnessed the incident or have first-hand information to come forward.
Here is a link for you to submit your video evidence:
https://lafayettepdin.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/2504050107
Upon completion of the investigation, all findings will be forwarded to the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Indiana law allows the open carry of firearms in public spaces. However, the Lafayette Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents while supporting the constitutional rights of free speech and peaceful assembly.
The department acknowledges the concerns raised by the community and is dedicated to transparency, public safety, and accountability in its ongoing review of this incident.