9/11 March Planned In Port Jeff Despite Village's Permit Denial

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — The Setauket Patriots are scheduled to march through the streets of Port Jefferson Village at noon Saturday in remembrance of those who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. However, village officials said the march is "not authorized," in a July emergency order that banned all such events as a precaution against the coronavirus. Marchers plan to meet at the LIRR Commuter parking lot at Route 112 and Railroad Avenue.

The Setauket Patriots were denied a permit to hold the march, as the village enacted Local Emergency Order 21-2020. The order "prohibits all marches and/or parades, regardless of content, message, viewpoint or identity of the applicant, from taking place within the Village during the pandemic." The order was put into place based on public safety issues seen at previous marches and parades, including overcrowded sidewalks and traffic and pedestrian conflict, according to the village.

James Robitsek, who organized the march, told ABC 7 that attendees are willing to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines. He also contested hundreds of Black Lives Matter protesters marched through Port Jefferson in June, and that he held a Fourth of July car parade with hundreds of people.

"BLM marched months ago, there was no uptick in corona," Robitsek told ABC 7. "We held a parade here Fourth of July, there was no uptick in corona cases. The village has hosted outdoor movie nights for families."

Mayor Margot Garant signed the executive order on July 30 - after both events mentioned by Robitsek, ABC 7 reported.

The Suffolk County Police Department is aware of the march.

"We'll be on-scene, and we'll treat it like any other protest," police said.

The village, with the cooperation of police, tried proposing an alternative solution to Robitsek: Hold a small scale event at a fixed location in a bid to reduce the village-wide public safety concerns.

"Mr. James Robitsek, the leader of the group, chose to decline this offer, and instead has decided to violate the law, and to encourage others to join him in doing so," the village stated.

Organizers and participants are subject to prosecution, village officials said. Residents were advised that there may be impacts to traffic on Main Street and the surrounding area.

The Setauket Patriots on Thursday morning made a Facebook post acknowledging their permit for the 9/11 Memorial March and Remembrance Ceremony was denied by the village "under the guise of COVID."

"We silently sat back and watched the riots on TV in early June," the group wrote. "We patiently watched all the Blm marches on Long Island during the Height of the Covid Epidemic. We let our Elected leaders take Memorial Day and 4th of July parades from us in the name of Covid as we watched riots, protests and marches still going on under the guise of a 'Peaceful Protest.'
Our Leaders are NOT going to take 9/11 from us! Folks the Silent Majority has Awoken and it’s time to say enough is enough."

The march is also intended to "send a message" to elected leaders, the group wrote.

"You will not limit our Rights under any circumstances and you work for We the People, We don’t work for you. We put you in office and We will take you Out of Office. Please join us to Remember all those who Gave their Lives on that Day in September."

The Setauket Patriots is an online group supportive of President Donald Trump.

Marchers were asked to bring out their patriotic garb to support firefighters, police officers and first responders. They were also asked to leave their political flags at home for this event.

"This is not a Trump rally or a Protest, It’s a March of Remembrance for all those who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in the Name of Freedom. We hope to see you all on Saturday," the Setauket Patriots page wrote.

The community feel and village traditions, both old and new, remain cherished, the village stated.

"But we are now living in a world which requires adaptation for the safety, comfort and prosperity of all of our Port Jefferson residents and businesses," officials said. "As circumstances and guidance recommendations change, the Village will formulate comprehensive procedures and guidelines to allow large events to safely take place again. This will take substantial work on our part, including community input. Until that time, though, we must stay vigilant to protect ourselves and our neighbors."