Laramie Human Rights Network (LHRN) has been organizing protests in Laramie since June 2. According to LHRN, the group is pushing for transparency and accountability in law enforcement agencies.
Timberly Vogel said, “Too much responsibility is put upon police agencies, while community organizations that have the capacity to directly address communal needs and provide resources that disincentivize crime are neglected and underfunded.”
LHRN has started having writing workshops, public speaking lessons and voter pushes in order to have community engagement and give voices other avenues to be heard according to Vogel. An online LHRN meeting was held Sept. 16 to discuss upcoming events and goals.
Vogel said, “Once people started going back to work and school, numbers settled down but community support online continues to grow.”
According to Chief Stalder with the Laramie Police Department (LPD), a total of 13 arrests or citations have been made since the protests started in Laramie.
“All the citations or arrests were for disorderly conduct – impeding traffic,” Stalder said.
Vogel said, “After the arrests, the protests made a huge transition to utilizing bikes and other wheeled transportation more often so that people could continue to take a stand in the street while avoiding being disorderly in traffic.”
According to Vogel, there have been multiple incidents with counter protestors that include violence and intimidation.
“We’ve had people stop in the middle of Grand and yell at us, as well as had someone drive their truck through the demonstrators at the corner of 3rd and Grand running over someone’s bike,” Vogel said.
Vogel was also hit by a vehicle’s bumper who had been “tailing our bikes and then eventually ran over someone’s skateboard.”
“The demonstrations have not changed the work LPD does,” said Stalder. “At times staffing has been adjusted to address crowds.”
According to LHRN, there has been increased patrolling by LPD, as well as the use of drones.
“On June 25th, their force seemed to have tripled in size as they partnered with the Albany County Sheriffs Office, UWPD, and Wyoming Highway Patrol to arrest and cite protestors in the streets,” Vogel said.
Stalder said the protests have not made it difficult for LPD to do their jobs and had no further comments.
According to Vogel, LHRN is always looking for volunteers and community insight.
“If you’re interested in chatting, don’t hesitate to reach out,” Vogel said. “Check out our website and laramiehumans.org and Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @laramiehumans.”
