A RALLY SUPPORTING FIRST RESPONDERS was held on the Owosso City Hall lawn on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 27. Local residents, Kim Bowen and Brent Singer (middle photo, left), organized the rally. Approximately 40 individuals gathered on the corner of Main and Water streets, many carrying American flags or “We Back the Badge” signs.
Speakers included Sen. Tom Barrett, State Rep. Ben Frederick and Pastor Brian Keesler.
“The lawlessness that we see happening and the attempt to unravel and tear at the fray of the fabric that is America, and strip away the rights that each and every one of us hold as sacred, is why we have to be out here to support our law enforcement,” Barrett stated (lower left). “Here in America, our rights don’t come from government. Our rights come from God.”
“Keep smiling and waving your flags,” Bowen told the crowd. “That’s what it’s all about. Standing united. That’s why we’re here. To be strong and have that solidarity and to show everyone that we’re here to support our police, fire and EMTs.”
A small group of roughly eight counter protesters, organized by Jillian Hundey, were gathered across the street from city hall. Minimal verbal altercations occurred between the two groups.
Four uniformed, city of Owosso police officers were in attendance to mediate any possible conflicts. They are the only known about first responders directly involved.
(Independent Photo/Karen Mead-Elford)
