Southridge Mall Closed Friday; Peaceful Protest Cited As Reason

GREENDALE, WI — All stores at Southridge Mall closed Friday in advance of a peaceful protest scheduled during the day in Greendale.

"We have been provided information from the Greendale Police Department regarding protest activity tomorrow that could involve the shopping center," mall management wrote in a memo to all tenants of Southridge. "Therefore as a precaution, Southridge Mall will be closed tomorrow, Friday, June 5. The mall will reopen on Saturday, June 6 at 11 a.m."

According to organizers, a peaceful protest starts at 2 p.m. at Greendale High School and will make its way down Broad Street to Village Hall for speeches and prayers before marching back down Broad Street. Mall officials say a demonstration is expected to happen at 1 p.m. outside the mall.

The owners of the Explorium Brewpub, which is located on the mall's campus, issued a statement in advance of the demonstration.

"First of all, The Explorium Brewpub abhors racism and oppression of any kind. We fully support the thought that all people should be treated with kindness and respect no matter your race, creed, sexual orientation, or religion. And we support the right of people to peacefully protest to demand change," Explorium Brewpub management wrote. "This Friday (today) at 1 p.m. there is a protest planned to gather at Southridge Mall. The owners of this private property in which we reside have chosen to close the property to the public this Friday. We respect their right to do so."