A permit was issued to the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, allowing them to hold a rally on March 30 in Memphis.

The group filed for the permit last week. After days of discussion, the City of Memphis approved it. According to the permit application, the group is expecting 180 participants.

MPD Director Toney Armstrong is emphasizing that his primary focus is public safety.

"I've been in discussion with the City Attorney and other members of the Administration, and I have been reminded of the legal issues that apply. But in the end, my primary focus is the safety of the public and all involved," Armstrong explained. "It will be in all of our best interest to have a demonstration where we are able to work with this group in setting the do's and don'ts."

He continued, "My team has a strategy that will ensure everyone's safety. What we absolutely do not want is some unplanned, spontaneous demonstration where my team has not been involved in planning and set-up."

The KKK is planning the protest after the city council renamed three parks that honored the Confederacy.