Furniture company IKEA asked “Make America Great Again” supporters not to gather in its New Haven store parking lot after a pro-Trump group shared plans to meet there Saturday morning, before heading to Hartford for a car parade by the Capitol.
“We’re aware that our New Haven (CT) store parking lot is being promoted as a meeting location for a MAGA event this Saturday,” said IKEA on social media late Friday night. “We ask those who plan to gather at IKEA New Haven to understand they are not authorized to use the property as a meeting location.”
The company added: “We’re working in close partnership with local law enforcement to ensure we provide a safe environment for our customers and co-workers. IKEA has no political affiliation.”
Participants were expected to gather in New Haven at 10 a.m. and leave for Hartford around 11 a.m., according to social media posts from Connecticut’s “Drag the Interstate 1776? group. Although no members appeared to show up near the IKEA, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker asked residents to avoid the area, reported Hearst Media.
“Given what occurred last week at the U.S. Capitol and some threats of violence around the U.S., we are encouraging people to stay away from the area of Sargent Drive, Long Wharf and IKEA until this afternoon,” Elicker said early Saturday. “Our police department is working with local law enforcement to prepare for any potential issues at this event and over the coming days.”
The New Haven police department and mayor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
About three cars participated in the parade Saturday afternoon, with four counter-protesters present. Similar events have taken place in Connecticut and other states before. In early November, hundreds of Trump supporters decorated their cars with “Trump 2020? flags and signs, and slow-rolled past the Capitol. Social media posts from an account called “MAGADragTheInterstateCT” indicate that members have previously met by the New Haven IKEA, as well as in Manchester, before driving to Hartford.
The state National Guard has drastically increased their presence in Hartford, and officials are urging residents to stay home. Gov. Ned Lamont’s chief spokesman Max Reiss said Saturday at noon that so far, the governor’s office had not heard of any new safety threats.
“We’re hoping that if people choose to demonstrate, they do it safely and they do it in a way that doesn’t endanger anyone or their neighbors,” said Reiss.
State Capitol Police Officer Scott Driscoll said the department was aware of the social media posts that went out about the car parade and is keeping an eye out for further developments.
During a town hall meeting Saturday, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin reminded the public there would be a significant law enforcement presence in the city over the weekend.
“While there is concern nationwide about possible protests and possible violence at state capitols, we have not received specific threat information about Connecticut, Hartford or our state Capitol,” said Bronin. “That said, we are prepared for whatever may come this weekend.”
Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody said road closures around the Capitol will begin Sunday. A map provided by City Hall shows multiple closures along Capitol Ave., with a few on Broad St., Trinity St., and near Pulaski Circle. West Hartford and East Hartford police will also be assisting in keeping the Hartford area safe and secure over the next four to five days, Thody added.
Staff writer Rebecca Lurye contributed to this report.
Amanda Blanco can be reached at ablanco@courant.com.
