Jones.

DEARBORN — Qur’an-burning Florida pastor Terry Jones is now scheduled to protest in front of city hall on Saturday, June 14, according to the city of Dearborn.

Last week, Jones had announced that he and the anti-Islamic group “Stand Up American Now,” had scheduled a visit to the city to protest “Sharia law” in front of the Islamic Center of America on Ford Road.

However, according to the city, Jones never obtained a permit to protest in front of the mosque. He and his group still can protest in front of city hall, which the city has dubbed as a “free speech zone.” 

Concerns also arose last week when a group of motorcyclists named the “American Patriotic Bikers” announced they were joining Jones’ protest, calling the event the “Dearborn Freedom Rally.” It is estimated that approximately 400-500 bikers could ride into the city on that day for the protest. 

The city has already prepared to take precautionary measures on the day of the event. According to Mary Laundroche, head of the Department of Public Information, the rally will most likely be set up in a similar fashion to Jones’ prior visits, where he and his group will be blocked off by barricades. 

“Any preparations would be more along the lines of the last time he came to Dearborn and police had security in place to keep the public safe,” said Laundroche. “Our goal is to keep the public safe and allow city hall to remain a free speech zone.”

It seems the city will be busy handling other affairs on that day as well. June 14 is also Flag Day and in Dearborn an annual ceremony is held to burn tattered American flags, in keeping with American Legion protocols for the disposal of flags that are no longer fit for public display.

A ceremony will be held for the public at 7 p.m. at Ford Field Park. Laundroche said the city encourages residents to come out to the event, as it might serve as a good way for the community to stand under one umbrella.

“We are proceeding with plans as normal for that annual ceremony,” Laundroche added. “We encourage the public to come. That ceremony is more reflective of our community than the distraction of Terry Jones will be.”

Other affairs occurring in the city on that day will be the high school graduation ceremonies for both Dearborn High and Fordson High School.