The National Parks Service has granted permits for the Unite the Right Rally and several counter-protests for Sunday, August 12th. All guns have been banned from the events and the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is planning to have a heavy presence to prevent violence. They have also prepared several emergency measures to prevent escalation. We recommend reviewing our travel advisory , our previous statement, as well as our safety information and the Visit DC safety page, and plan travel appropriately.

Hello Otakon Community,

We are reaching out to notify you that we are aware of the proposed rally which would be located between 1-2 miles away from the Walter E. Convention Center. The information that we have received from DC is that the rally will be well monitored as to have minimal or no effect on Otakon.

We assure you, the Otakon Community, that your welfare and safety is our number one priority during the convention along with having an enjoyable time. Currently, we are discussing and closely monitoring the situation. We will take action to help promote a healthy …