From staff reports
A memorial demonstration will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday on the Venango County Courthouse steps to honor the 17 people killed during last month’s school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
The Oil Region Rising organization, part of the national non-partisan Indivisible group, is sponsoring the event.
Franklin City Manager Tracy Jamieson confirmed that a permit for the demonstration was granted by the city. Although approval from the county wasn’t required, Jamieson asked Oil Region Rising members to speak with the county commissioners as a courtesy since the demonstration would be on county property.
Commissioner Tim Brooks said the property is always open to the public for the purpose of free speech so long as laws are obeyed.
“The county courthouse is the people’s house,” Brooks said. “They can assemble there as long as they have permission from the city. They’re legally within they’re rights.”
The stated purpose of the demonstration is to remember those high school students in Parkland, Florida, who were killed by a former student with an AR-15 rifle, as well as to support students who are protesting their lack of school safety.
