Police in region address rumors of agitators

MOSES LAKE — Rumors have been swirling on social media, but local authorities say they have not seen evidence of out-of-town agitators coming to Grant or Adams counties.

Concerns have escalated as protests in U.S. cities have been marked by violence and looting. The spark was the death of a Minneapolis man, George Floyd, while involved in an altercation with police.

Moses Lake Police Department released a statement addressing the rumors Wednesday afternoon.

“There have been a flood of rumors flying around social media about upcoming protests and busloads of out-of-town agitators coming into Moses Lake, complete with stockpiles of bricks to throw through windows around town. At this point, we have not seen any evidence of this, and have not been able to verify any of the rumors that we have investigated,” the statement said. “To clarify, we are not saying nothing will happen (and we are prepared if it does), only that to date, we have no evidence of busloads of rioters showing up in town.”

A march is planned Sunday in Moses Lake to protest Floyd’s death. The MLPD has worked with the people organizing the march and is working with them on a security plan.

Brandon Nicholas, director of the Downtown Moses Lake Association, said he had talked with Police Chief Kevin Fuhr, who told him none of the rumors had been substantiated. Nicholas said the business association is working to get as much credible information as possible out to its members.

People have gathered in Moses Lake to protest Floyd’s death and what they contend is racism. Demonstrators with signs were out again in Moses Lake on Wednesday.

“The ones we have spoken to are local folks,” the MLPD statement said. “They have been peaceful and seem sincere in their desire to improve our community and society.”

A couple of dozen armed people stood watch along Third Avenue on Tuesday evening, saying they wanted to protect businesses. Police talked to them also and described them as peaceful, local and sincere in their desire to protect the community from illegal activity.

Rumors were flying in Othello, with Othello identified as a possible target for agitators in the next few days. Othello Police Department Sgt. Brent McFarlane said the OPD investigated and identified one of the people spreading a rumor.

“It didn’t have much factual information behind it,” McFarlane said Wednesday. “We haven’t seen anything locally to support the rumors.”

Rumors also have popped up in Quincy. Quincy Police Chief Kieth Siebert said Wednesday so far they’re just rumors.

“I don’t know if there’s been a substantiated source,” he said.

About 75 to 100 people turned out for a march in Quincy on Tuesday, Siebert said. While there were a few marchers he didn’t know, the event was peaceful.

Violence, Siebert said, would detract from the message.

“It takes away from what the purpose is. If you want reform, that’s not the way to do it,” he said.

He said he thinks some law enforcement reforms are needed.

Ephrata City Manager Mike Warren said there’s been no evidence of anything happening in town.

“I’ve heard rumors, but we’ve not seen any actual examples of that here,” he said.