Refuse Fascism organization marches for Trump impeachment
Tear gas was thrown at a protest at the Santa Monica Pier this Saturday as protestors, who called for the impeachment of President Trump, clashed with counter-protesters, who showed support for the president.
“The counter-protesters got out of there right away as soon as the police started showing up. The police brought in the paramedics to treat us that got tear-gassed, but their response was to kind of stand at the periphery and then about an hour later the anti-protests showed up again,” said Laurence Christie, a Vietnam veteran and protester affected by tear gas during a scuffle with the counter-protesters.
The Refuse Facism organization led the protest. People at the protest called for Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to be removed from office, as well as create awareness around the racism and bigotry that the organization said is present within the administration.
Counter protesters came in support of the Trump administration and could be heard chanting “Trump 2020” against the original crowd’s “humanity first” cry.
“October 19th is the day we are launching in New York and LA, nationwide, massive, sustained, non-violent protests with the one single demand; Trump-Pence out now,” said Luna Hernandez, a member of Refuse Facism.
Hernandez said the protests in Hong Kong and Puerto Rico inspired them and they are calling for these types of protests in the U.S. to impeach Trump.
“I haven’t been happy with the way we’re going in this country. Donald Trump, I think he’s ruining a very good thing. I’ve got to speak out today. That’s why I keep showing up,” Christie said.
The demonstration began at noon, when protestors on the beach spelled “Trump, Pence out now” in the sand with their bodies. After two hours of protesting on the beach and pier, the group began to march down Colorado Street toward the Santa Monica Promenade.
Dennis Bradford, Chino resident, heard about the event from his daughter, a UCLA student, and said he was happy to participate.
“I’m very passionate about the abuses that are happening in the White House, the current regime,” Bradford said.
Hernandez said she hopes these protests help fight against Trump’s “America first” policies and instead extend the belief of internationalism.
“American lives are not more important than other people’s lives and in internationalism, the whole world comes first. That’s why we say, ‘In the name of humanity,’” Hernandez said.
Laura Rowe, Santa Monica resident, was invited to this protest by participants of a demonstration in front of the federal building the week before and decided to come and show her support for the sake of generations to come.
“I’ve been very concerned about the state of our government for quite a few years now, and I have a grandson that we’re expecting in March, and I just want to be able to say that I tried to do something,” Rowe said.
The organizers of the demonstration said they are hoping to spread their weekly protests to more cities and increase participation from students. The next protest will be held at MacArthur Park in LA on Oct. 26, Hernandez said.
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