Hundreds Attend No Kings Protest In Chatham

by Tim Wood

CHATHAM – More than 500 local residents attended Saturday’s No Kings 2 rally, joining millions across the country protesting actions and policies of the Trump administration.
 Protesters carried signs, sang and drummed during the 90-minute rally at the Chatham Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse lawn at the corner of Main Street, Crowell Road and Queen Anne Road. Taking a cue from protests in Portland, Ore., some attendees sported inflatable costumes, including at least three sharks.
 While peaceful, the protest was marred by a confrontation that resulted in assault charges against a person who was part of the organizers’ security team.

Watch video of the protest at here.

At about 3:30 p.m., David Porter crossed Main Street from the church property and confronted Dennis Allmon, who was on the sidewalk just west of the post office. According to a video posted online, Porter was asking people to stay off the sidewalk and instead move to the church lawn. When Allmon, 58, of Eastham, refused to move, the discussion grew heated and Porter grabbed the man’s cell phone and appeared to grab Allmon by his throat.
 The situation de-escalated when another security team member arrived. Police showed up shortly afterward. Porter, 81, of Chatham, was charged Tuesday with assault and battery and intimidation of a witness, according to Chief of Police Michael Anderson. Allmon was not injured in the incident, he added. Porter was scheduled to be arraigned later this week.
 Few at the protest appeared to notice the incident. For the most part the event had a festive atmosphere, with flags and protest signs waving as passing drivers sounded their horns in support.
 “Until we can all go to the polls, this is the way to show our displeasure in a peaceful way,” said one protester who gave her name as Andrea.
 Laura Kett said she was concerned about the state of democracy in the country. “It’s important that you come out, show up and speak up,” she said.
 Terri Charbonneau wasn’t speaking up — dressed as a mime, she carried a sign that read “Silence is Not OK – Speak Out.” 
 “This is the message,” she said. “People need to speak out.”
 Mary Byrne, a member of What Now?, the group that sponsored the event, thanked those who “rallied with us in a peaceful, joyful demonstration supporting The Constitution on Saturday in Chatham.” 
 The group will meet Saturday at the community center from 3 to 4:30. Anyone interested is welcome to attend, said Byrne.