Elected officials say they welcome the visit, despite having different political views than the president.

Gun rights groups have also been vocal, condemning his visit after Obama said he plans to keep gun control at the forefront of political discussions.

A Facebook page called “Defend Roseburg – Deny Barack Obama” outlines plans for a protest at 11 a.m. Friday in advance of the president’s expected early afternoon arrival. Over 7,000 people have clicked on “going” to the rally, including many who have indicated that they are coming from California and elsewhere.

Organizers emphasize that they want a peaceful protest and instruct those attending to not engage in theatrics or arguments that cast gun control opponents in a bad light.

“Conduct yourselves like adults,” the event description reads. “Show the nation and the world a strong force of principled, good, responsible patriots. Represent yourself and the country with excellence because the world is truly watching.”

The organizers also recognize that gun control opponents will express themselves by carrying weapons.

“If you choose to carry a firearm that is your right. Be safe, be responsible. We suggest that you carry a handgun as opposed to a rifle, but again, you have the right to carry what you wish. Whatever you carry, keep it holstered/secure. Show the world that American gun owners are responsible patriots. Look out for each other.”

An official with the Douglas County Tea Party said that at least two separate protests are planned, and that the intention is to show support for Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin,,who has spoken out against additional legislative restrictions on gun ownership.

The City of Roseburg officials and Douglas County Commissioners have announced they are welcoming Obama to privately visit families of the victims of the Umpqua Community College shooting.

“We wish to be clear that Mayor Rich, City Council President Ryan and the Roseburg City Council welcome the President to Roseburg and will extend him every courtesy,” the city said in a news release on Tuesday.

The Douglas County commissioners also issued a statement.

“Regardless of our differences with the President on policy issues, we await the President’s arrival and look forward to his show of support for a community who is grieving and whose heartache is immeasurable–especially the families of those killed,” the commissioners said in a statement on Tuesday.

Among the outspoken against an Obama visit was David Jaques, the publisher of the conservative Roseburg Beacon.

“Our message is: Mr. President, please don’t come to Roseburg,” Jaques told KGW on Saturday. “It’s a dishonor to the families and to what we’re going through as a community.”

Jaques said Obama’s visit will be more of a political stunt than a visit to sincerely provide condolences to victims’ families. “He’s not coming to take care of them or to show his support for them,” Jaques said. “He’s simply coming to advance a political agenda.”

President Obama advocated for more gun regulation during a speech following the shooting. “This is something we should politicize,” Obama said. “This is a political choice that we make.”

The White House has not announced a public appearance by the president during his visit to Roseburg.

“I am a Republican, I am a strong supporter of gun rights and I want him here too,” Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich said. “The whole focus is on the victims’ families and that’s why he’s here.”

In the 2012 presidential election, Obama received 35 percent of the Douglas County vote, down from 38 percent in 2008. More recently, the county was also split on the issue of marijuana legalization, with 55 percent of county voters casting ballots against the legalization measure in 2014.

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