It’s a silent day at a Rapid City shopping center, but it’s anything but normal. Well over 100 people donned in all black are protesting without saying a word.
Protests are usually loud, rancorous events filled with chants and chatter. Wednesday’s, though, was completely silent, barring the occasional car honk.
The Pennington County Republican Women’s group is holding a luncheon for Sen. John Thune. The press was not allowed in.
Outside the restaurant, about 130 are protesting Thune’s recent actions in DC. Nicole Preble is the co-chair of this protest committee, organized by group Indivisible Rapid City.
“We’re silent because he is our voice in Washington," Preble said. "He has been silent to his constituents concerns regarding the shutting of USAID and how that effects our farmers, cutting federal workers – a large portion are veterans – cutting veterans benefits. I mean, take your pick of things to be upset about.”
Many protesters put duct tape over their mouths. Organizers say it’s in response to Thune’s silence. There are no chants to be heard for miles.
“Everyone says you need to contact your representatives," Preble said. "I know for some people that might be scary, it was for me at first, but now its old hat. I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday, saying ‘do we have to call a million times? I feel like a broken record.’ He said ‘you call a million times and one time more.’ So, that’s why we’re out here today. To be very annoying. Legally, but very annoying.”
A second protest was held at the state Capitol, and these come on the heels of protests held across the state and nation earlier this month, highlighting a rise of vocal discontent toward the current administration.
A spokesperson from Thune’s office did not return request for comment.