LANCASTER — “This is what democracy looks like” said one of the protest organizers, Leah Good.
Despite the hot, humid day with temperatures reaching almost 80, that didn’t stop the roughly 350 people from coming together in downtown Lancaster as part of the nationwide No Kings protests on June 14.
Throughout the protests, many cars were honking in support, but others yelled out in support of President Trump. In addition, a small number of Trump supporters were there in a counterprotest.
“There’s so many people here who are evil and disillusioned and need to find God,” said Jerry Wyrick. “We’re just here just because it’s Trump’s birthday and it’s Flag Day.”
“He’s not a king, he’s not a dictator, but they think he is. They get fed from propaganda news and media… they’re listening to the wrong carriers of networks,” said Tim Nungesser. “This is supposed to be a peaceful thing. I hope it stays peaceful.”
The protest remained peaceful and there was no police presence.
The majority of the demographic participating in the Lancaster protests Saturday afternoon skewed older, with many U.S. military veterans in attendance.
“We can’t sit at home and let all this happen. We’ve fought this stuff before,” said U.S. Army veteran Mike Oatney.
Another protester, Jane Kunkler, said she decided to protest because of all the liberties that are being lost during this administration.
“We’re heading down the same path that Germany did,” she said. “I can’t sit at home anymore.”
Fairfield County Indivisible organized this protest as well as the one in Pickerington. Leah Good, one of the leaders of the organization, led several chants throughout the protest, such as “No justice, no peace” and “When our nation is under attack, what do we do? Fight back.”
“In 1775, we decided that we were done with Kings, and 250 years later, someone is trying to become a King,” said Good. “I don’t think I ever realized how deeply I loved democracy until it was under threat like this.”
Among some of the few younger people in the crowd was Gabby Steelman, who said she was taught growing up that America was supposed to be a melting pot.
“I have gay friends, trans friends, friends who are undocumented, I grew up with people who did not speak English as their primary, first language… they’ve taught me what it means to overcome adversity,” she said. “I don’t believe in voting for a rapist, or for a man who has said disparaging things against women and minorities.”
The No Kings protests coincide with President Trump’s military parade in Washington D.C., which celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States Army.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Several hundred protest at No Kings rally in Lancaster; counter protestors also present
Reporting by Ava Agoranos, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette / Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
