Chapel Hill police chief Chris Blue says his department warned UNC police in advance about pro-Confederate demonstrators who illegally brought firearms onto campus last weekend.

The incident took place on Saturday, March 16. At least one demonstrator had a handgun, in violation of a state law banning firearms on university grounds. The demonstrators left campus at the request of UNC police – but the university quickly came under fire for not arresting the protester, and UNC on Monday announced that police would make arrests in similar cases in the future.

On Friday, UNC interim chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz issued an additional statement, announcing the creation of a campus safety commission and a series of conversations to promote equity and inclusion at UNC, including stronger relations between university police and the campus community.

In an update to Chapel Hill Town Manager Maurice Jones on Wednesday, Chief Blue said a CHPD officer encountered the demonstrators in the Wallace Parking Deck and informed them that it would be illegal to bring firearms on campus. Another CHPD officer notified UNC police of the demonstrators’ presence.

Because it’s legal to carry firearms off campus, Chapel Hill police didn’t make any arrests – but Chief Blue said CHPD officers did monitor the group until they dispersed later that afternoon.

Saturday’s incident has reignited criticism of UNC police, as anti-racist advocates have long argued that campus police are too friendly with pro-Confederate demonstrators. Just this week, some faculty and staff members launched a new Twitter account, Unsafe @ UNC, charging that UNC’s approach has endangered safety on campus.

Chief Blue’s full update to Town Manager Maurice Jones:

Last week, we were monitoring for a potential demonstration on McCorkle Place for last Saturday, March 16th. Late in the week, we learned that the Heirs to the Confederacy, who had planned to be here, cancelled their plans. We were also aware that the Defend UNC group planned an event on McCorkle Place for Saturday afternoon. We made no additional staffing arrangements, given the cancellation of the Heirs group.

On Saturday, March 16, around noon, a group began gathering in the Wallace Deck on E Rosemary St. A CHPD officer saw them and spoke with the 10-15 individuals, who said that they part of the “VA Task Force III percenters.” The officer asked if they expected any additional attendees and she was told that no additional members were expected.

A member of the group asked the officer where the boundaries of campus were and she told them. She also noted that some members of the group were carrying firearms and she informed them of the prohibition of weapons on campus. A CHPD supervisor informed UNC Police of the group’s presence and their plans to visit campus.

We called a half dozen officers back to monitor the group, should they return to Town of Chapel Hill property, which they eventually did after first going onto UNC property, apparently via Columbia Street and Cameron Ave.

After leaving campus, the group walked on the sidewalk around the 100 block of E Franklin St, followed by a handful of counter-demonstrators, until approximately 3:15PM. At no time did CHPD officers observe any illegal behavior on the part of either group.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Police Arrest 1 for Breaking Into Vehicle in Cobb Deck
UNC Police and the Chapel Hill Police Department responded to a call Friday about a break-in to a vehicle on UNC campus. UNC Police tweeted the department had arrested a subject earlier in the day for breaking into a vehicle parked in Cobb Parking Deck. Officers were alerted after a UNC employee saw the suspect […]
Former Chapel Hill Council Member Presents Petition Regarding Removal of Silent Sam
A former Chapel Hill Town Council member brought a petition to the council earlier this month with the goal of keeping Chapel Hill police from helping with UNC sporting events until Silent Sam comes down. The petition was presented at a town council meeting earlier this month by former town council member Maria Palmer, who […]
"Safety Is Our Highest Priority": Police Chiefs React To Fatal Attack
The chiefs of police at UNC and Chapel Hill issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to public safety.
Bicyclist Injured By Driver Along NC Highway 54 in Chapel Hill
A driver struck and injured a bicyclist on N.C. Highway 54 on Thursday evening. Police later cited them for a failure to reduce speed.
UPDATE: Chapel Hill Police Safely Locate Missing Teen
The Chapel Hill Police Department shared in a release Monday morning that it is searching for a missing 14-year-old.
After Chapel Hill Fire Investigation, Report Reveals Siena Hotel Fire Details
The Chapel Hill Fire Department recently provided additional insight into the August fire at the Siena Hotel via a detailed incident report.
On the Porch: Sheriff Mike Roberson - Community Policing
This Week: Sheriff Mike Roberson has been Chatham County Sheriff for 10 years and recently announced his bid for election as a County Commissioner in 2026. A dedicated law enforcement officer who promoted integrity, teamwork, and community involvement by supporting local businesses, churches, and community events, Roberson has training and experience in public safety, crisis response (including group crisis intervention), terrorism response, protecting and serving children, leadership and supervision, communication, diversity (including organizing against racism) and responding to medical emergencies. As a lifelong resident of Chatham County he is passionate about serving his community and is married to his high school sweetheart.
UPDATE: Chapel Hill Police Say 14-Year-Old Safely Located
Chapel Hill Police said in a release Thursday that it is searching for a missing 14-year-old, and asked for the community's help.
Multiple UNC Football Players Facing Reckless Driving Charges
Several UNC football players are facing charges of reckless driving, speeding and other violations. An investigation by WRAL, originally published Monday afternoon, reported that “nearly 20 percent” of UNC’s 101-man roster has been cited for speeding since October of 2024. The investigation named three specific players: linebacker Khmori House, safety Gavin Gibson and cornerback Thaddeus […]
UNC Police: 'Multiple' Scooter, Bike Thefts on Reported Campus in October
At least seven reports of stolen e-scooters, bicycles, and e-bikes in the month of October led UNC Police to issue a campus-wide alert.
›