In Sioux Falls, over 1,000 turned out to protest the current situation in the U.S. executive branch. Across the state, in a community that typically votes more conservatively, a similar crowd showed up to make their voices heard.
An estimated 800 people are holding signs, chanting, and making what they describe as “good trouble” at Rapid City Hall and Founders Park.
Standing among them, it’s hard to sus out any individual group or leaders. The community, red, blue and everybody in between, appears to be speaking for itself – a large-scale denouncement of the Trump Administration’s policies .
Among those speaking, is six-year-old Scarlett. She’s here with mom, who asked not to be identified, yet visibly concerned for her daughter’s future.
“Hands off our country, hands off our country.”
She’s not the only parent here, alongside a large collection of disgruntled veterans, lifelong Republicans, left-wing advocates, and more who have all come to declare, and chant quote – “This is what democracy looks like.”
From the indigenous lens, local advocate Jonathan Old Horse says it’s time for wider America to wake up to what he describes as a troubling trend dating back to colonization.
“Our grandparents who have fought in World War One and World War Two have been disrespected by people in that office that have no respect for the people of this country," Old Horse said. "That don’t honor their oath. We are a country that honors their oath.”
A small collection of counter protesters, at most six, were posted down the block from City Hall. There were no clashes between the groups.