Merced police to increase security at upcoming MLK parade, following New Orleans terrorist attack

January 7, 2025

By Victor Patton

An annual Merced event that brings together all sectors of the community will see an increased level of police presence this year, following the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans.

Merced Police Chief Steven Stanfield told the City Council on Monday residents can expect to see more officers along the route of the scheduled Jan. 20 parade honoring the trailblazing civil rights leader, the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Stanfield spoke about the department’s plans during the council’s discussion of a street closure request submitted by the Merced NAACP, the organization spearheading the event. The request was unanimously approved by the council.

While such street closure requests are typically routine agenda items, Councilmember Mike Harris said “the streets need to be secured by more than just wooden saw horses” during the upcoming Merced parade, given the Jan. 1 attack in New Orleans which killed 14 people and injured many others.

Stanfield said while so far there has been no indication of any threats to the Merced parade, the department is making preparations out of an abundance of caution.

He expects to finalize a safety plan this week that will include more police staffing and barricades, plus “harder” street closures.

“We don’t want to just ignore what is going on in New Orleans and think that it ‘just can’t happen here,’” Stanfield told the council. “I will do everything I can to provide the best, safest pathway for the march as we can.”

Stanfield said his department has also spoken with Merced NAACP officials about the updated security plans.

“There’s going to be many dignitaries walking (in the parade), many of you will be walking, I will be walking. So we’re going to be providing a more visible presence,” Stanfield said.

This year will be Merced’s 28th annual MLK parade, held every year on the holiday celebrating King’s birth. King was murdered by an assassin at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. President Ronald Reagan approved recognizing King’s birthday as a federal holiday in 1983.

Participants will gather 10 a.m. Jan. 20 in front of the Amtrak station and the parade kicks off at 11 a.m., proceeding down Martin Luther King Way to the Merced Theatre, where a celebration will be held.

Merced’s parade is a family-friendly event that draws people from many cultures and backgrounds. It’s also attended by a variety of local and state legislators.

Marching bands from local schools and a diversity of organizations and groups walk in support of King’s legacy.