Charlotte Chamber Sends Recommendations To Local Businesses Following Night Of Protests

September 21, 2016

Caryn Little,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Chamber has sent a statement to businesses after protests broke out in Charlotte following the fatal shooting of Keith Lamont Scott. Bank of America also sent an email to all employees asking them to leave their offices by 4pm for their safety.

Here is the statement from the Charlotte Chamber:

We had a series of events Tuesday evening that included the loss of a life, injuries to police officers and others, and peaceful demonstrations that became unlawful.

To the family of Keith Lamont Scott, and to all of those injured, the Charlotte Chamber extends its condolences.

We are concerned that there may be similar protests tonight and beyond in our City.

We must prepare for this potential as “one Charlotte” by standing together in a way that demonstrates our support of peaceful protests, while also ensuring the safety of law enforcement officers and all citizens.

Most especially for businesses in the University City area and Charlotte’s Center City, we request your partnership as we address this, collectively, as a community. This will involve collaboration between your private security resources and CMPD along with communications to your tenants, employees and guests.

If you are planning any major events between now and the end of the weekend, please make us aware so we can ensure CMPD and other stakeholders stay informed.

Based on lessons learned from the Democratic National Convention preparation in 2012, here are some recommended common sense actions to protect your property:

Keep everything as normal as possible
Remove or chain down all tables, chairs, signs or planters
Consider increasing private security staffing
Tell tenants, employees and guests to be aware and vigilant
Do not hesitate to call 911

We will continue to work closely with our partner organizations, the City of Charlotte and Charlotte Mecklenburg Police, to keep you informed of pertinent information resulting from this evolving situation.