Police ‘fully aware’ of reported meet-up for ‘pro-legalized rape’ group
The Homewood Police Department has issued a statement on the reported meet-up for a self-described “neomasculine” group, Return of Kings.
“The Homewood Police Department want the public to know that we are fully aware of this alleged gathering and that our presence will be known,” Homewood PD said on its Facebook page.
The meet-up was previously scheduled to occur on Saturday, Feb. 6 at O’Henry’s Coffee in downtown Homewood. After recent media attention, however, Return of Kings founder Roosh Valizadeh has cancelled all official meet-ups.
“I can no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men who want to attend on February 6, especially since most of the meetups can not be made private in time,” Valizadeh said in a Feb. 3 post on the Return of Kings website. “While I can’t stop men who want to continue meeting in private groups, there will be no official Return of Kings meetups. The listing page has been scrubbed of all locations. I apologize to all the supports who are let down by my decision.”
Lt. Eric Hampton said Homewood PD is aware the meetings have been cancelled but plans to be ready in case something does occur.
"We will still prepare in the event that somethings do transpire," Hampton said. "We will still be in a ready state to respond to whatever situation may [occur] on Saturday."
On Feb. 3, Homewood Police said in a Facebook post they are aware of the potential meetup, and “no application or permit for such event of protest has been requested or granted by the City of Homewood.”
The post also said police are planning operations should the event take place.
Return of Kings was created by Valizadeh in 2012 and is a “blog for heterosexual, masculine men,” according to its website. It professes “neomasculine” beliefs and has published several articles articulating those beliefs in sex roles and masculine supremacy. Past articles have also claimed rape should be legalized on private property.
Before canceling official meet-ups, there were 165 meetings scheduled in 43 countries, according to its website.