There is no evidence to substantiate widespread rumors that outside agitators are planning to stir up trouble in Missoula, according to the city’s police chief and its mayor.
A days-long investigation determined no credible threat of agitators infiltrating the local downtown demonstrators peacefully protesting the death of George Floyd, Chief Jason White said.
“We’ve been working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to track down information that’s validated to figure out what is going on,” he said. “And I’m happy to report that as of today, we have no credible intelligence that that is true.”
Mayor John Engen cautioned Missoulians to be skeptical of rumors floating around on social media.
“If we know something we, are going to let you know and we will have a variety of ways of doing that, not the least of which is a quick look at the City of Missoula’s website, where we will post any significant change that you all should be concerned about,” he said.
Mayor Engen and Chief White said Missoula has a long and proud history of supporting peaceful demonstrations. They also cautioned that unspecified contingency plans are in place if demonstrations do turn violent.
