John Knapp, a North Boulder resident, told the City Council that on Aug. 31 an armed demonstrator wearing military gear walked near a children’s playground at North Boulder Park while uniformed police officers marched with the demonstrators. Knapp said police declined his request to remove the armed person, telling him the demonstrator was exercising constitutional rights.

"I was left shocked," Knapp said during open public comment. He asked the council for unanimous support on measures including: prohibiting armed demonstrations near playgrounds and recreation areas; banning open carry near playgrounds and recreation areas; directing police to prioritize children’s safety and to warn families when demonstrations with weapons are occurring nearby.

City Manager Nuria Rivera Vandermeidt told council she had reached out to the police chief and that “it’s the first time he’s heard of it,” and that staff would follow up with Knapp to collect more details as they investigate. Councilmembers asked staff for a procedural review of the legal options and the current status of the city’s assault weapons litigation and enforcement tools.

Council discussed whether the matter required council action or a staff follow-up and whether an ordinance would be required to change enforcement around firearms at demonstrations. Staff said they would research the legal framework and report back, noting that some city provisions are subject to ongoing litigation and state preemption statutes may limit local ordinance options.

No formal action was taken at the meeting beyond staff’s commitment to follow up and report back to council on legal options and operational responses.