Article from the OAN newsroom:
“Back the Blue” rallies are taking place across the country. In the past week, support for the cause has grown and many have taken the streets in Brooklyn, New York, Portland, Oregon, and Omaha, Nebraska to show support.
The rallies have drawn anywhere from a few dozen to a few thousand attendees.
Signs reading “back the blue,” “blue lives matter” and “defend the police” were seen at many of the events. Attendees also waved American and “blue lives matter” flags.
Documenting the Back the Blue rally at Lafortune Park. This is definitely not a back the mask movement.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1281982374784401408
According to attendees, the main focus of the rallies has been to show support and need for the nation’s law enforcement.
“We come out all the time to defend the police, and why we do it is because they are that thin blue line between civilization and chaos,” explained Rosemary Rizzo. “We love you, NYPD, and all law enforcement, government.
Many also acknowledged the policing system is not perfect and stated they are not against the Black Lives Matter movement.
“A lot of people actually agree on a lot of the issues that are being talked about,” said bystander Angela Borland. “There’s so many emotions on both sides that nobody is being heard and no progress is being made.”
Coming to a neighborhood near you. People that want to live in a safe community. People that defend their police departments because the stand between good and evil. People that are tired of being pushed around and degraded by their mayor.
“We need to make sure people are safe from bad cops and we need to make sure people are safe from bad citizens,” added Mike Kennedy.
Overall, the message of the rallies has not been one of division, but of unity under one nation. Most demonstrations were met with some counter protest, but otherwise remained peaceful.
These rallies followed weeks of protests against police brutality and cries for the law enforcement to be defunded. “Back the Blue” supporters have said defunding police departments is not the answer.
“They have been there and they will always be there. Are they perfect? No, but are you? Hello, America, it’s time to wake up.” – Desiree Bernstein, demonstrator
It was my honor to be at the
with some amazing men and women of law enforcement today! President
and I BACK THE BLUE and we will always stand with those on the Thin Blue Line!
with some amazing men and women of law enforcement today! President
and I BACK THE BLUE and we will always stand with those on the Thin Blue Line!
