Pendleton “No Kings” Demonstration a Peaceful Crowd
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
More than 300 demonstrators filled a roped-off area of the Village Green in Pendleton on Saturday as part of the national “No Kings” event to voice their opposition to the policies and person of United States President Donald Trump.
“This is a display of community and solidarity with people all across the country,” said Erin Goss of Indivisible Clemson, the organizer of the Pendleton Event. “I’m expecting people from our community to show up and be happy to see each other and know that we're not alone and to see some real joy in opposition.”
“We're not here to fight,” said Goss. "We're here to stand up for what we believe in. We're not aggressive, we're not violent. We just know what's right, and we stand up for it."
One demonstrator who grew up in the area echoed the sentiment.
"I'm here, man, just to speak up for those that don't have a voice,” said Will (not his real name). "They're those that are too afraid to speak up. I'm here supporting our immigrants and my people have been suffering for such a long time and what they're doing now is just borderline inhumane. This is much more than just a political issue. This is an issue on humanity itself. We have to be here for each other and those like us that are Latin Americans that were born here."
A counter demonstration was planned but never developed and the event featured signs of protest and distaste for Trump and his policies.
Pendleton Police Chief Robert Crosby expected, and got a peaceful afternoon.
I've spoken to all sides and all parties involved,” said Crosby. “I think we've been able to come to a good mutual understanding. It's kind of the same understanding that we have here in Pendleton: when somebody says something to you and you don't like it, you smile and wave back and wish them a great day. And I think everybody here has that same understanding.”
“And the town itself looks forward to exercising or having the ability for people to exercise their First Amendment rights and do what they need to do,” said Crosby, who is also a veteran of military service.
Nationwide, hundreds of thousands participated in the event organized to point out that no individual is above the law.
