Breaking: Firearm Discovered at STAND's Protest, But Organizers Distance Group From Possession

Monrovia, Liberia: Organizers of the July 17 Lead or Leave protest in Monrovia have reported a discovery of a firearm in their ongoing protest, but say it was discovered with an unidentified individual they claim intended to disrupt their peaceful demonstration.

The Lead organizer of the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day's (STAND) protest, Mulbah Morlu, said the discovery was made by the protest's technical team using advanced detection equipment to identify the reported firearm carrier.

Speaking to the media, Morlu said the individual was identified as not being part of their peaceful demonstration. He noted that the firearm was found with some rounds.

Morlu stated that the unidentified individual was detained and later released by protest organizers. The STAND lead protest organizer added that the suspect may have been planted to distract the protest and cause chaos.

He said the protest organizers will hold fast to the discovered arm and demand the government to launch a forensic investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, the government of Liberia, through the Liberia National Police, is yet to respond to the reported firearm situation.

Organizers say the Lead or Leave protest is designed as a peaceful march to the Executive Mansion to petition the Boakai-led government and demand accountability over concerns of corruption, drug trafficking and economic hardship.

Details about this development are still emerging...