Local Tuscaloosa Activists Rally in Support of D.C.

Under the watchful eye of a handful of Tuscaloosa Police Officers, 75 to 100 sign-carrying protestors conducted what some called an "informational protest" of President Trump's mobilization of the National Guard in the District of Columbia.

In two spots on the west side of the Shelby Federal Building downtown, the two groups held up signs and waved at passing cars, with some honking in support and others showing their disapproval.

"We want to stand in solidarity with D.C. and let the president know federalizing troops is wrong, especially when it is not needed," Tuscaloosa's John Hill said in stating the reason for the gathering. "Now he is already making threats to other cities. He has gone past the scope of what a president should be doing."

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The progressive Indivisible activist group organized the event, dubbed "We Are All D.C.!" to show support for the nation's capital, where more than 2,200 soldiers in the D.C. National Guard have been deployed since last month.

"A lot of people's rights are kinda being taken away," according to Nikki from Tuscaloosa. "I think more people should be a little more aware and a little upset about certain things that are going on."

Among the peaceful protesters were military veterans, UA and Stillman students, and retirees. They held signs proclaiming, "If you are not angry. Then you are not paying attention, "Fight the Trump takeover," and "We stand with D.C."

The two-hour event ended at noon as downtown Tuscaloosa began to fill with football fans flocking into town for tonight's Crimson Tide home opener.

It was one of several anti-Trump protests that have been organized in Tuscaloosa over the past year, and the groups say more are planned.

For more coverage of news and events in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.