Downtown Boise businesses weigh in on Mayor's statement, upcoming protests

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — In preparation for Tuesday night's protests, Mayor Lauren Mclean released a statement cautioning people to stay away from downtown Boise.

CBS2 reached out to over 15 businesses in downtown Boise to get their thoughts, and many did not even know that this was going to take place tomorrow. The ones that were aware, said safety is their top priority.

In a letter to Boise residents this afternoon, Mayor Lauren Mclean asked people to avoid the downtown area Tuesday night.

She said “there are malicious forces who seek to capitalize on Boiseans protesting their city government, many from outside of our community - will again come to our great city and seek to intimidate, threaten, and incite violence.”

Business owners say they are mentally prepared for what is about to happen.

Dan Landucci, owner of Paddles Up Poke says he doesn't think things will go out of hand.

"But we will pivot when needed, I’ll be here and I’ll be making calls to see what to do to keep employees and customers safe," said Landucci. "We can always worry about the wrong things happening, but if I’m betting on a city I’m betting on Boise.”

Jasson Parra, owner of Lemon Tree Co., says he agrees with the Mayor’s sentiments and values the safety of others over business.

“I probably wouldn’t go down there personally I think it’s becoming a bit dangerous, it’s kind of an uneasy event," said Parra. "I hear what she’s saying and I would probably heed that warning as well.”

You can read Mayor Lauren McLean's full letter below:

Dear Boise,

This Tuesday, we understand that some Boiseans again plan to peacefully protest, exercising their due rights to free speech and assembly. I embrace these rights wholeheartedly; they’re the essence of who we are and the expectations we have as Americans. We speak out. We hold our leaders accountable. And we move, ever onwards, in hope of a more perfect union. Peacefully.

But we have also learned that there are malicious forces who seek to capitalize on Boiseans protesting their city government. Factions - many from outside of our community - will again come to our great city and seek to intimidate, threaten, and incite violence, all at the very time our community is most in need of unity and compassion. We must not let ourselves get distracted by the efforts of a vocal minority or be pulled into violence they seek to instigate. As a city, we will not tolerate violence, and will hold those accountable.

So, out of an abundance of caution and desire to keep our people safe and sound, I am urging Boiseans to avoid assembling downtown on the evening of Tuesday, July 21. As a mother, I am asking you to keep your children at home. And, as someone who loves this city dearly, I’m asking you to stand with me in rebuking tactics that will tear us apart.

To be clear: we will not stand for violence of any form. We will swiftly hold accountable those who choose violence.

To protect our singular and special Boise community, we must reject outside forceswhoseek to divide us,and we must reject those who would seek violence in the midst of peaceful protest.

On Tuesday, we are prepared to do just that, and I call upon each of you to commit to the same. I believe in us, Boise. I believe in our ability to come together through adversity, to rise to the occasion, and to stay grounded in our shared commitment to each other and this very special place we call home.

Please be safe.

Mayor Lauren McLean