Press release from the Asheville Police Department:
The Asheville Police Department (APD) is anticipating protest events this weekend. We support and respect an individual’s constitutional right to exercise free speech in a peaceful manner. In order to maintain the safety of everyone in our community, we would like to remind everyone that causing harm or injury to persons or property, blocking streets and intersections, and trespassing are illegal offenses and can result in arrest. We will stand by for anyone that may need assistance.
Demonstrations, parades and marches, unless permitted otherwise, are prohibited to block streets or intersections, or obstruct the flow of traffic (NCGS § 14-277.2) (Code 1965, § 25-4). Demonstrators are asked to stay on the sidewalks and abide by all traffic rules.
North Carolina law allows individuals to open carry, however, there is an exception in the law that prohibits the possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons at parades or demonstrations on public property. (NCGS § 14-277.2) (Ord. No. 2299, § 2, 6-25-96)
Entering private property without the property owner’s permission, or remaining on private property after the property owner requests that you leave, is trespassing (NCGS § 14-159.11-13).
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