No changes are being planned for this year’s Ohio River Sternwheel Festival after a press release was sent out Friday morning regarding possible threats, although law enforcement presence will be increased.

The press release, which was sent out by local law enforcement including the Marietta Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, said that in July, two national “outlaw” motorcycle gangs, the Pagans and the Outlaws, were at the Marietta Riverfront Roar, and a confrontation ensued.

Local law enforcement recently received information that two or more of the biker gangs may be at the sternwheel festival, with potential for violence as a stated possibility. No other specific potential threats had been identified or are under active consideration.

“(During the Riverfront Roar), local law enforcement intervened and monitored the situation, which ended without violence,” the statement notes. “Local law enforcement, as part of its responsibility to the public, is monitoring and preparing to address any act or actions connected to this potential that jeopardizes the safety or peace of the Marietta/Washington County community.”

Sternwheel festival organizers said that the potential threat wasn’t going to affect the event.

“Everything is going to continue as scheduled,” said John Coppernoll, festival safety chairman.

By early Friday morning, talk of the possibility of violence were widely distributed through social media, including emails distributed by local employers such as Marietta College and the Memorial Health System.

Marietta Police Chief Rodney Hupp said Friday afternoon that with a large gathering of people, there is always a possibility that someone could inflict harm, but there was no specific threat identified.

Coppernoll said inquiries about possible threats had been posted to the festival’s Facebook page, so they released a statement to assuage any fears.

The statement reads in part that “the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival Committee’s primary focus is the safety of our guests. In preparation for the festival every year, the Committee works in close coordination with local law enforcement, including the Marietta Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies to help protect the public and investigate any potential issues.

“In light of recent events across the country, law enforcement will have a more visible presence at the festival this year. Expect to see more law enforcement officers, security cameras, and other measures to help protect the public around the festival. While visiting the festival, if you hear or see something out of the ordinary or that may be suspicious, please report it. You may report it by calling law enforcement at 9-1-1, or report it to the Sternwheel Committee trailer located near the corner of Front and Greene streets. The Committee is looking forward to another fun, safe Festival on the river.”

Hupp said he hopes people will still attend the festival.

“I know that all the resources we have available to use have been employed,” he said. “My wife will be down there and I won’t be with her and I’m not deeply concerned.”

Williamstown Police Chief Shawn Graham released a statement Friday in support of Marietta and Washington County law enforcement.

“Please be assured that on this side of the river, your Williamstown Police Department will be monitoring and addressing any potential issues or actions that would jeopardize our community’s safety,” Graham said in the statement.

On Thursday, Hupp asked residents not to openly carry guns at the festival, although Ohio law allows it. He stated emphatically that the possibility of threats and the request not to openly carry weapons were not related.

“The reason why is before any of this motorcycle business kicked up, sensibilities are through the roof,” he said. “The request on my part was made out of respect for the citizens.”

People on social media have criticized Hupp for the request, but he said he can’t enforce any laws if people decide to openly carry, as it’s legal in Ohio.

“You’ll never find a police chief more constitutionally-oriented or pro-Second Amendment than I am,” he said. “I’m being a responsible citizen and keeping people from panicking when people should be having fun in a family-oriented environment.”

Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.

At a glance:

• Local law enforcement sent out a press release early Friday about possible gang violence at the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival.

• No specific threat has been identified.

• Law enforcement presence will be increased.

• The festival will continue on as planned.

Sources: Times research