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Sandra Yi ReportingToday's protests all lead up to the arrival of President Bush.
The president will arrive on Air Force One at 9:00 tonight. He'll begin his day tomorrow with a meeting with the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then at 9:20 a.m., he will speak to the American Legion Convention. After that the president is scheduled to make some remarks at a reception for Senator Orrin Hatch, and he'll leave just before noon.
The police presence in the downtown area is hard to miss. Security on the ground and in the air is tight for the President's visit. The Secret Service is in charge of security and won't talk about it. All one spokesperson would say is, "We protect the President, it's our responsibility and that's what we're going to do."
But we know local police agencies are busy helping out.
Det. Robin Syder, Salt Lake City Police Dept.: "We had a briefing early this morning about what we're going to do, and had about 100 officers come out, so we think we're prepared."
There was a visible police presence among the crowds, gathered for the various protests and rallies centering around the President's visit.
Det. Robin Snyder: "Some are at Liberty Park, some are here at Washington Square, and they'll be here all day."
Salt Lake City Police officers from several different squads kept an eye on the crowds.
Det. Robin Snyder: "Sometimes we'll have people come in that come in just for the purpose of causing problems. They're not with the demonstration, and sometimes we do have those, but we don't anticipate any problems. But everybody's being very peaceful right now."
Later tonight Utah Highway Patrol troopers, along with officers from other agencies, will escort the President's motorcade from the airport to the Grand America Hotel. The UHP will not release the route, but say 22 motor squad units will take the front lead, while other troopers shut down intersections.
Airspace over the Salt Lake Valley will also be restricted. In the past, Chopper 5 has been able to fly over and film the motorcade, but tonight it'll be grounded.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the Secret Service have set up temporary flight restrictions. All flight operations within 10 nautical miles of the airport, with the exception of commercial and cargo carriers, will be restricted, from 8:00 tonight until noon, tomorrow.
Police say, we can expect delays today and tomorrow, so plan ahead and give yourself extra time if you're planning to be in the downtown area.
