GREENFIELD — A talk by Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson last week proved to be an event marked by vocal protesters. But the controversy hasn’t ended, with claims that those attending were accosted by masked individuals outside the John Zon Community Center.
But according to Greenfield Police Chief Robert Haigh, officers on scene reported there were no incidents of violence, although profanity was exchanged.
Inside the center, Hodgson spoke at an event hosted by the Greenfield Citizens Association (GCA) on Oct. 24 about the impacts of illegal immigration and the designation of municipalities as safe or sanctuary cities and towns. While speaking, he said if Greenfield were to become a safe city “you will see an influx of crime, drugs and cartels. … We know that it’s a place people go where the elected officials or anyone else are going to be hands-off.”
Some protesters who were inside the center interrupted Hodgson’s comments with jeers and boos multiple times.
This was the first event the GCA has hosted. According to the Facebook page for GCA, the association was founded Sept. 1.
A peaceful gathering with members of the “Greenfield Safe City — Yes on 2” campaign, other groups and individual citizens began on the center’s lawn to protest the event at 6 p.m.
Roughly 100 people were gathered at the height of the evening. After some time, the crowd of protesters shifted toward the entrance to the community center. As the initial gathering began to split, some members left and the crowd dwindled some. Among those remaining was Greenfield Precinct 7 City Councilor Otis Wheeler and Precinct 5 City Councilor Timothy Dolan.
At this point, the crowd of protesters included a few individuals who, at times, covered their faces with handkerchiefs or scarves. These members used profanity directed at Hodgson and attendees, including calling them fascist or racist, at one point chanting “fascists suck.”
Haigh said none of his officers who were present that night indicated the protesters wearing handkerchiefs had identified themselves at Antifa members, as has been stated in letters written to the Greenfield Recorder. Antifa is a political protest movement known for its opposition to fascism and other forms of extreme Right Wing ideology.
“I was not told this by any of the officers that were there,” Haigh said.
Haigh said that while there was a “heated exchange” of dialogue, “going both ways,” Greenfield Police Sgt. Dan McCarthy and other officers on scene described the situation to Haigh as “non-violent.” The events drew attendance from two state troopers, as well, who stood near the entrance of the community center alongside Greenfield Police officers.
“I was in touch with (Sgt. McCarthy) throughout the evening,” Haigh said.
At no point, Haigh said, did the protesters injure or even physically touch anyone attending Hodgson’s talk.
According to police logs for the evening of Oct. 24, there was a report at 7:36 p.m. of a “large disturbance at the John Zon Community Center.” Police “advised the caller all units were on scene.” This was the only call received about the events at the community center that night.
“At the end of the night, we spoke with folks on both sides,” Haigh said. “Our goal was to keep everyone safe. I feel that happened.”
The safe city designation has been hotly debated since its proposal by City Council President Karen “Rudy” Renaud in July. The ordinance was put on the November ballot because a citizen’s referendum petition had been submitted and certified by the city on Aug. 12.
The proposed ordinance prohibits city officials from asking about a person’s immigration status, targeting someone or discriminating against an institution providing refuge to immigrants and their families, and taking law enforcement action against someone on the basis of perceived immigration status.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264.