Residents to protest Trump in downtown Springfield on Inauguration Day

A demonstration will be held downtown Friday by residents who say the want to demand inclusion from President-Elect Donald Trump on his Inauguration Day.

The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday on two corners of City Hall Plaza — the southeast corner at Limestone and High streets and northwest corner at Fountain Avenue and Main Street.

A group of local residents received a permit to assemble in downtown earlier this week, organizer John Wheeler said.

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“During the transition, the Trump administration has not been transparent or inclusive to all of America,” he said.

For example, Trump went on a victory tour of only the states that voted for him, Wheeler said.

“As president, he should be looking at the goals and advancements of all Americans,” he said.

Clark County Republican Party Chairwoman Lynda Smith said she was sorry to hear about the demonstration in downtown Springfield. No Republicans boycotted in 2008 when President Barack Obama was elected, she said, despite being upset about the election defeat.

“I wish that everybody could just put things aside for one day,” Smith said. “They could at least give him Inauguration Day. He’s trying to be inclusive, but that has to go both ways. They have to give him a chance to see what he can do.”

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Trump received more than 35,000 votes in Clark County, winning here with about 56 percent of the vote.

The group will march around the core block every 30 minutes, he said. He’s heard from about 15 to 20 people who have expressed interest in joining the demonstration. Local churches and other organizations have also offered support, he said. Signs are permitted, but must be positive in nature.

“Voices need to be heard because of how volatile and toxic the nature of the campaign and the transition has been,” Wheeler said.

An informational meeting was held Thursday, including representatives from the Springfield Police Division. The event won’t have extra police presence, he said.

“They said we’ll have normal protection, but unless something happens, it’ll be just the normal, everyday routine for them,” Wheeler said.

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