A large police presence is planned Saturday for Lowndes High School graduation ceremonies amid protests and threats of violence from a local college student wanted by police for illegally possessing a gun on campus.
The threat comes as activists plan to descend on Valdosta Saturday morning to protest the school’s decision not to grant an honorary diploma to Kendrick Johnson, the Lowndes sophomore whose body was found more than two years ago in a rolled-up gym mat. Officials ruled his death an accident, but Johnson’s parents believe he was murdered. A federal investigation is ongoing.
Eric Sheppard — a Valdosta State University who was alleged to have made violent threats previously, prompting police to search a backpack he had left behind where the gun was discovered — sent a video to the Valdosta Daily Times earlier this week in which he expressed solidarity with the protesters, the paper reported. Sheppard, on the run since a warrant was issued for his arrest April 21, is not associated with the group protesting the graduation.
Police have alerted the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding the latest alleged threats.
Valdosta Police Chief Brian Childress told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution his officers will not allow the protesters — expected to include former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and members of the Nation of Islam — to disrupt the graduation.
An assembly area has been set up for the protesters, and Childress said “every interaction with the public will be recorded by body cameras.”
Protest organizer Marcus Coleman said the Fruit of Islam will provide security for the activists “due to the recent racially charged climate in Valdosta.”
A wreath in Johnson’s memory will be featured as part of the ceremonies, according to school officials.
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