NAACP conducting investigation of January 17 incident

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Immediately following the incident at Anna’s Greek Restaurant on January 17, the Bowling Green chapter of the NAACP launched on investigation into the events surrounding the night.

The Republican Women’s Club of South Central Kentucky was scheduled to have Ryan Quarles, a republican candidate running for governor and former sergeant John Mattingly of the Louisville police at a ticketed event at the Bowling Green Country Club. After the advertisement for their event began to circulate on social media, a protest by the BG Freedom Walkers was announced to counter the event.

Ahead of the event, Ryan Quarles dropped out of the event “due to the controversial nature of another speaker”. Quarles had said he was not aware of Mattingly joining the event as they were invited separately by the women’s club. Shortly before the event, the country club called and canceled on the club giving them only a few hours to find a replacement venue which they then landed at Anna’s. In talks with individuals there that night, no warning was given following the club’s and Mattingly’s conduct.

With the community and nation searching for answers the NAACP is searching for clarity in order to bring about some accountability with those involved. Chapter president Ryan Dearbone is not sure at this point how long it will go on but assured News 40 this isn’t something he and members would allow to pass over.