Plans In The Works To Increase Security In Greenwood District During Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial

Tulsa is about two months away from the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and plans are in the works right now to increase security in the Greenwood District. 

May 31 and June 1 will mark 100 years since the Tulsa Race Massacre, and the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce expects several events to be happening in the Greenwood District, with people coming in from all over the country. 

The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce sent out a release to news organizations, city councilors and Greenwood business owners Thursday, outlining security concerns.

President Freeman Culver said the chamber plans to hire its own security for any events going on, in addition to working with Tulsa Police and the city when it comes to security and street closures. 

"Tulsa Police will be around. I know they will. But we're working on getting some resources to have our own private, CLEET certified security also. It's better to be safe than sorry,” Culver said. 

Tulsa Police Captain Richard Meulenberg said TPD will have a command post and resources available when it comes to equipment and officers.   

"We're prepared for this as much as we can be. You know, if we have 50,000 people show up, that might be something we're not completely prepared for. But we have to have realistic expectations. So, it's really best to work with the people who want to organize events, organize things that are peaceful,” Meulenberg said. 

Culver said his board members and staff, along with business owners have received "numerous threats" recently, including verbal harassment and a death threat last month, he said.

Tulsa Police encourages anyone who has felt threatened to give them a call and file a report. 

Captain Meulenberg said at this point he is not sure how many officers will be involved in providing security.