'Boston Free Speech' rally organizers meet with city, secure permit

BOSTON — An organizer behind the controversial "Boston Free Speech" rally said he has met with the city to go over safety for Saturday.

Boston Police Department went over stipulations in order to ensure safety, which spokesperson for the Boston Free Speech Coalition John Medlar said will include barriers around the bandstand and people being escorted.

He said no weapons, flag poles, poles or sticks will be allowed. Police will also be searching bags and people as necessary.

Medlar said that after the meeting with police, he was going to pick up the permit from Parks and Recreation.

Earlier this week the mayor said the group hadn't applied for a permit yet. However, the group said they submitted on July 13 and it was been approved by the city.

Mayor Marty Walsh has already repeatedly said, "we do not want you in Boston," to the group and supporters.

"We are a better people than what we're seeing on TV and I'm asking people when you come into Boston, respect this city because we respect your right to come in and speak," said Walsh on Thursday.

However, the group has said on Facebook it is in no way connected to the group that held the rally in Charlottesville last weekend. Medlar said that happened in Virginia took him by surprise and he wants to promote a counter message to political violence.

"While we maintain that every individual is entitled to their freedom of speech and defend that basic human right, we will not be offering our platform to racism or bigotry," the group wrote in a Facebook post.

The group said several times on its Facebook page that Jason Kessler, described as a white Nationalist by the Southern Poverty Law Center, has nothing to do with the Boston rally.

MORE: 'Free Speech Rally' still scheduled despite some speakers backing out

Some people who are supposed to speak at the event include Senate candidate Shiva Ayyadurai, InfoWars Joe Biggs, Garret Kirkland, and a local lawyer who has experience in free speech issues.

"We don't support hate groups, we don't have any hate groups speaking at our event, we've thoroughly vetted our speakers, and we are absolutely certain that we trust each and every one of them supports the rights of all Americans," said Medlar.

Medlar maintained that free speech is the center of the event, which he expressed to Commissioner Williams Evans with the BPD.

"They gave the impression that they're all about free speech and not white supremacy, not any group like that but we don't judge who's what - we're there to make this day safe," said Evans.

Medlar said they did consider cancel due to all of the negative attention, but figured people would show up regardless and wanted it to be an official, safe event.

MORE: Mayor Walsh asks 'free speech' rally to not come to Boston this weekend

There have been several groups organizing counter events for Saturday, including a peace march. Boston Police Department said they will ensure the events are kept separate and they expect many people in the city.

Cox Media Group