TOLEDO, Ohio — The Old West End is voicing concerns while a picture of two armed security guards is making its rounds on social media.
The incident happened during Saturday's protest over the death of George Floyd.
It shows two armed security guards who were patrolling the streets during Saturday's Black Lives Matter protest in the Old West End.
The photo proved concerning for some residents.
Tanasio Loudermill, who has lived in the Old West End for five years, says he doesn't believe the guards should be carrying guns at all.
"I think guns escalate situations more than calm them. Because people feel uneasy and on edge and things might happen that are unexpected," said Loudermill.
About 30 community members joined in a conversation on whether the guards should have been armed.
"Most people in the neighborhood, whether they pay into the Old West End Security or not, did not understand that the private security were armed and we're hearing stories come out from the people who have been stopped on the streets or the security has intimidated the residents," said Christopher Frey, a resident of the Old West End.
Ben Grazzini, the president for the board of trustees for the Old West End Security, says armed guards have been patrolling the streets now for almost 15 years.
"We did not take any steps ahead of time to specifically direct IDER not to come into the neighborhood. We think that in retrospect that was a mistake," said Grazzini.
The president says they have since apologized to the community and understand why they're upset.
Dale and Keanna, the husband-and-wife owners of IDER, also wanted to apologize.
"Here at IDER I would definitely like to say that we wholeheartedly apologize. We had no intentions of intimidating or even being aligned with the protesters in any way. We were just there in the Old West End doing our normal patrols," said Clinche.
Dale, who was the driver that day says the other guard is no longer with the company.
He was also adamant they did not purposely follow the protesters and they fully support their message.
"My wife actually grew up in the Old West End. We've had ties to the Old West End for over 33 years now. You know, it's kinda home and it was awesome to have this business and patrol and keep it safe," said Dale.
In the meantime, patrolling has been put on pause as the Old West End security figures out what steps to take next.
"We have an obligation to our supporters. We also have an obligation to the neighborhood as a whole. That is a compromise that right now is probably not going to satisfy everyone," said Grazzini.
While no ties have been cut with IDER, the community will have a chance to speak up in an upcoming meeting on July 7.
It will be held at the Glenwood Lutheran Church located at 2545 Monroe St.