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State Police, EBRSO, others to work security at Sterling funeral

7 years 8 months 1 week ago Thursday, July 14 2016 Jul 14, 2016 July 14, 2016 9:22 PM July 14, 2016 in News
Source: WBXZ

Baton Rouge - Thousands are expected to attend a funeral for Alton Sterling on Southern University's campus Friday morning. News 2 learned new information about the security plan for the large event.

The basketball court inside F.G. Clark Activity Center has been converted into a place where people will pay their final respects to Sterling, who was shot and killed by police in Baton Rouge last week.

The State Fire Marshal's Office checked the building today for safe exits, while Louisiana State Police and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office will work the funeral itself to make sure those in attendance are safe.

"You're not going to see a buildup of police in the area; You're not going to see a buildup of uniforms all over the place," State Police Superintendent Colonel Mike Edmonson said Thursday. "You're going to see some, because we have to make sure the people who are going are protected."

Security is a concern particularly because of unrest in Baton Rouge since the death of Alton Sterling. Police and citizens clashed at a series of demonstrations, resulting in more than 100 arrests.

Col. Edmonson says he spoke to Rev. Al Sharpton at a meeting at the White House on Wednesday and believes the message inside the service will be about peace.

"I got a chance to talk with them, and I said that I hope you talk on both sides of it, and they said they're going to," Col. Edmonson explains.

In addition to Sharpton, civil rights activist Jesse Jackson and U.S. Representative Cedric Richmond are expected to be in attendance.

News 2 has learned extra law enforcement officers from other parts of the state are expected to work detail at the service, including deputies from Jefferson Parish.

Col. Edmonson asks that everyone remember the message from Sterling's 15-year-old son, Cameron, who called of peaceful demonstrations at a press conference Wednesday.

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