‘No Kings Rally’ organizers, mayors defend right to peaceful protest amid National Guard activation
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missouri mayors are reacting to Gov. Mike Kehoe's decision to sign an executive order on Thursday, activating the National Guard ahead of protests scheduled around the state and country this weekend.
Columbia, Jefferson City and Boonville are among several cities across the state participating in a “No Kings Rally.” It’s one of more than 1,900 protests planned nationwide, and it’s part of what prompted Governor Kehoe to sign an executive order activating the National Guard, following unrest in Los Angeles this week.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas released a statement on Thursday that criticizes Kehoe’s decision.
“Mayor Lucas is concerned with the enhanced state enforcement for one set of protestors, but no action or aid to local law enforcement when Neo-Nazis march through Missouri’s urban streets,” Lucas’s office wrote in a release. “The Mayor has confidence in responsible protestors to use their First Amendment rights peacefully and in compliance with the law. More than one thousand Kansas Citians protested peacefully and responsibly just days ago.”
Lucas added that he has confidence in KCPD to handle anyone who does not act responsibly.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer echoed Lucas's call for local law enforcement to deal with the protestors, writing on social media that she trusts SLMPD to be equipped to protect the community.
“Under Chief Robert Tracy, the SLMPD has shown they know how to handle peaceful protest in a way that avoids escalations and protects St. Louisans’ rights to express their opinions - a fundamental value of our nation,” Spencer wrote.
Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe posted a video to her Facebook page on Friday saying that the city is working to support both public safety and civic expression this weekend.
“I want to reaffirm that the right to peacefully protest is fundamental to our democracy, and I support that right fully. Our city team is focused on ensuring everyone can do so safely, we’re coordinating with the event organizers and public safety staff to help maintain a peaceful environment for all,” Buffaloe said.
ABC 17 News reached out to CPD for comment, but were told the department doesn't provide details about safety plans.
Sue Rodgers, a spokesperson for We Stand United Missouri, has helped organize several protests in Jefferson City, including the "No Kings" rally, which is set to begin at noon at the Capitol.
Rodgers said that the group has a good relationship with local law enforcement and didn’t understand why the move to activate the National Guard was necessary.
"I've seen the national news, too, and I've seen riots and other places and stuff. But when you relate that to what we've been doing and how we plan things and the people that we talk with when they come to the rallies, some people are old like me and in their 70s. Other people are in wheelchairs," Rodgers said. "There's people with kids. There are people that are disabled, worried about whether they're going to get their next Medicaid and their next Social Security check, that kind of thing. We were kind of looking at each other going, 'Well, really?”
However, Rodgers added the group expects a “peaceful relationship,” if the National Guard arrives.
“I would think that if the National Guard shows up, they would be there just to see that everything's OK,” Rodgers said. “They're our neighbors and friends, the National Guard. They're local people. A lot of us have relatives or former spouses that were in the military. I mean, they're not strangers to us.”
Rodgers said the rally had been in the works for weeks, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a planned military parade on Flag Day. In past demonstrations at the Capitol, the group has drawn crowds of 500-600 protesters.
“We have six speakers tomorrow on several different topics, and there'll be interspersed with music and with chanting,” Rodgers said. “Give people an opportunity to feel like they're in this together with other people.”
Check back for updates.
