Protesters, many armed, gather for a 'patriot rally' outside Kentucky state Capitol
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Days after a violent riot in support of President Donald Trump led to a lock down of the U.S. Capitol, a group of Kentucky protesters gathered outside the commonwealth's state Capitol Saturday for a "patriot" rally.
A photo advertising the event, posted in the "United Kentucky" Facebook group on Jan. 2, said it would be "the biggest patriot rally the state of Kentucky has ever seen."
About 100 protesters, many of whom were armed, showed up around noon to stand outside the Kentucky Capitol while both chambers of the General Assembly were in session.
The rally comes after a riot of thousands gathered at the National Mall Wednesday to protest the presidential election results. The chaotic day resulted in the deaths of five people, including a woman who was shot and a Capitol Police officer who was injured while on duty.
But Johnny Rice, the first of many speakers in Frankfort Saturday, said the group was there for peace, though they are “sick and tired” of what is happening in their country. And the roughly three-hour event was peaceful, with no apparent acts of violence or attempts by participants to enter the statehouse.
Others in the succession of speakers took aim at Trump's election loss, warning against what they saw as an incoming administration set on stripping away freedoms.
Kentucky senators Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell also drew sharp criticism, as did Gov. Andy Beshear, who was condemned for his executive orders designed to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
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"The bottom line is: He has destroyed us," said Patricia Oliver. "From day one with his mandates, he has failed everybody."
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Oliver, who was collecting donations to help the poor and hungry, specifically mentioned the increase in those Kentuckians for unemployment and the initial restrictions against elective procedures.
Kentucky is currently seeing a spike in new coronavirus cases, with record-breaking daily totals this week. The state has seen more than 2,800 deaths from the virus.
The governor released a statement about the rally on Twitter Saturday afternoon.
“Three days after domestic terrorists attacked our U.S. Capitol, there was a militia rally in Frankfort,” Beshear wrote. “They brought zip ties. We will not be intimidated. We will not be bullied. America is counting on the real patriots. Those who condemn hate and terror when they see it.”
One armed protester who carried zip ties visibly attached to his backpack told a photographer he brought them “just in case.”
The crowd had mostly dissipated within three hours, with about two dozen protesters finishing with a march around the Capitol shortly after 2 p.m.
Reporter Ben Tobin contributed to this article.
Jonathan Bullington is an investigative reporter. Reach him at: 502-582-4241; JBullington@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @jrbullington.