Rally to support Kennewick police planned Saturday in wake of defunding protests

Two Kennewick residents are rallying support for local police officers.

Mike Beauchamp and his daughter Michelle Mercer are organizing a Back the Blue rally outside of Kennewick City Hall from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday.

“Our goal is simple: That our men and women in blue and their families hear and see that they are appreciated and that we stand with them,” according to the group’s flier.

Reps. Matt Boehnke and Brad Klippert, a Benton County sheriff’s deputy, are both Kennewick Republicans who are expected to be joined by 2019 Tri-Citian of the Year Dave Retter as the main speakers, Mercer said.

The event comes after three weekends of Black Lives Matter protests where protesters have been outraged about police brutality cases and calling nationwide for cutting police budgets.

The rally was not meant to detract from the Black Lives Matter protests, Mercer said. They are only trying to provide support to the good officers who work at the police department.

Attendees are invited to bring their families, wear blue and make cards for the officers.

“It is about unity and respect and will be a positive event in every way,” the organizers said.

This story was originally published June 18, 2020 at 12:58 PM.