Palmerton became the site of competing protests the summer.

On July 18, a planned protest supporting Black Lives Matter and opposing police brutality was met by a large counterprotest.

The counterprotest was larger than the group of protesters. Counterprotesters said they were told that buses of protesters from outside the area were headed to Palmerton to participate. They said they had come to protect the town and monuments from riots and looting.

The Black Lives Matter protesters gathered at the borough park’s bandshell, holding signs and chanting against racial injustice. Many said they were angered by the death of George Floyd.

Counterprotesters lined up several yards away. A few Palmerton Police officers stood between the two sides as they protested.

Protesters marched along the sidewalk down Delaware Avenue. At the same time a large number of bikers who joined the counterprotest revved their engines in an attempt to drown them out.

A week after the event, Palmerton Borough council made a statement about the protests. They said they urge all groups to respect the views and free speech rights of others.

Many of the same protesters who participated in the initial Black Lives Matter protest returned to the park later in July. They were met by a much smaller group of protesters.

Members on both sides spoke one on one.