MONROE, MI — More than 600 people gathered at the General Custer statue in downtown Monroe on Saturday, Oct. 18, for the second No Kings protest this year.
“This is just a reaffirmation that we’re not going anywhere while there is a dictator in office, a wannabe king who’s using the National Guard and our government to strip people of their American rights,” said Katybeth Davis, founder of Good Trouble Monroe.
From there, the protestors marched along North Monroe Street, into the downtown area, and then back around to the Custer statue. Several of the protestors spoke about solidarity with undocumented immigrants and against Donald Trump’s administration’s policies.
“ICE is certainly not very humane in the stuff that they do,” said protestor John Moskwa. “And the fact that we’re taking away healthcare for older people and people who are of low incomes.”
Some of the protestors arrived in inflatable animal costumes as part of the message they wish to send.
“We’re here with fun,” said Mary Sandefur, one of the people in costume. “Lighthearted, but (a) serious subject, to make sure that everyone understands that we are not here to be harmful.”
Holding a Trump balloon he bought online, Jim Gross said, “If we got rid of Donald Trump, using whatever amendment necessary, that would be the best way to begin.”
There were some counter-protestors who arrived in support of Trump.
“The Democrats are my way or the highway,” said Karen Adams, who came with her husband Danny. “Trump is only trying to make things better, controlling crime, getting prices down, fighting for our country every day, making peace in the world.”
“I want the country to be free, and I don’t think the Democrats represent that,” said counter-protestor Randy Davis.
— Contact reporter Connor Veenstra at CVeenstra@gannett.com.
(This story has been updated to meet our standards.)
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: 600 No Kings protestors gather in Downtown Monroe
Reporting by Connor Veenstra, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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