Organizers Expect Peaceful “No Kings” Rally in Pendleton
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Saturday’s nationwide "No Kings Event,” a day of action and mobilization primarily organized by pro-democracy groups, will include a gathering from 3-6 p.m. on the Village Green in Pendleton.
“We’re showing up (in Pendleton) to be part of a community and to counter the spectacle in Washington, D.C., with a show of community activism and support,” said Erin Goss of Indivisible Clemson, the organizer of the event.
The rally will take place entirely at the Village Green and on public sidewalks and will be accessible to those with limited mobility. For more information email: IndivisibleClemsonArea@pm.me
“Donald Trump is throwing this massive birthday party for himself on the taxpayers’ dime, and we are part of a national mobilization to say, ‘You know what? We’re gonna show what it looks like to be in our communities,’” said Goss. We’re countering national spectacle with community togetherness.”
Goss said the gathering will be peaceful, despite what some are suggesting on social media and in other places.
“We expect a peaceful protest,” she said. “We expect a couple hundred people and are collecting donations for local charitable organizations.”
This includes collecting items for the Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home; food for the Clemson Food Bank and filling backpacks for the homeless in Clemson and Anderson. Full list here: (see complete lists here).
The Saturday event coincides with Flag Day, the taxpayer-funded 250th Birthday Celebration of the United States Army and the 79th birthday of Trump.The primary motivation of the protests is against what organizers perceive as increasing authoritarian excesses, corruption, and abuses of power by Donald Trump and his allies. They aim to remind leaders that: "America has No King.”
On Tuesday, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued a statement suggesting the protests would not be peaceful, claiming the events were being organized by “radical anti-American groups,” with out providing evidence of this charge. Here is his statement, which some fear will create unnecessary backlash:
”We have seen reports indicating potential coordinated protests and acts of civil disobedience planned for Saturday, June 14, Flag Day and President Donald J. Trump’s birthday.
Radical anti-American groups are organizing efforts that have the potential to disrupt public spaces, and provoke confrontation with law enforcement across the country.
Violence, vandalism, and any attempts to intimidate or obstruct law enforcement will not be tolerated in South Carolina.
Let me be clear: If you attack law enforcement, destroy public or private property, or endanger lives in our state, you will be arrested, charged, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
My office will actively coordinate with state, local, and federal law enforcement to monitor threats, and support response efforts.
Please report any tips or information relating to potential riots or crime this weekend to local law enforcement agencies.
South Carolina is a law and order state, and it’s going to stay that way."
Organizers of the events expressed the recent crackdown on free speech, the detaining of those with divergent political views, attacking civil rights and defying court orders and threatening to deport American citizens is cause for concern.
Organizers are also accusing the administration of orchestrating massive giveaways to billionaire allies while cutting public services and programs like Social Security, SNAP, and Medicaid.
