SEQUIM — “We support police 100 percent,” said several of the participants in a rally to support law enforcement Saturday afternoon at the intersection of Washington Street and Sequim Avenue.
An estimated 60 people from area communities came and went from the corner between about noon and 2 p.m., many holding signs with slogans lauding law enforcement and stating that all lives matter.
The rally was organized on short notice Friday, participants said, in response to the fatal shootings of five Dallas police officers Thursday.
Dallas police said they were ambushed by Micah Xavier Johnson, 25, who was later killed by police with a remote-controlled bomb while barricaded in a nearby parking garage.
White officers
Before he was killed, Johnson reportedly told negotiators he was upset about recent police shootings of black people and that he wanted to kill white people — especially white officers, according to the Dallas Police Department.
The slayings were “an absolute disgrace,” said Robert McGonigel of Sequim, a rally participant.
“That was a hate crime. His statements [to police] when they had him cornered was that he hated white people and especially white police officers. So when we search for a reason somebody did that, I tend to take [them] at their word. He was a racist because he hated white people. I am here to fight racism,” McGonigel said.
Across the country, tension between police and the public, especially black people, has been strained due to high-profile shooting deaths carried out by police, according to media reports.
The Dallas shooting came as Americans nationwide protested the use of deadly force by police in the wake of the deaths of Alton Sterling on Tuesday in Louisiana and Philando Castile on Wednesday in Minnesota. Both men were black.
Many of the protests against police are led by Black Lives Matter, a movement actively campaigning against violence toward black people.
All lives matter
The participants at Saturday’s rally in Sequim said that more than just black people, all lives matter — including those of police officers.
Police “are taking a lot of heat in the media these days because of Black Lives Matter protests, and murders,” said Peter Heisel of Sequim.
“No matter who you are, there is no reason to murder somebody.
“That is why I am out here, hoping that people realize that there are more than just black lives; all lives matter.”
John Gavin of Sequim said law enforcement officers are getting a lot of unnecessary flak from the public for doing their job.
Rally participants repeatedly indicated their unwavering support for law enforcement personnel.
“I am here to support the police,” said Jerry Stiles of Diamond Point.
“All the stuff going on, I abhor. It is just terrible.”
Stiles said it is important to let law enforcement personnel know their work is appreciated.
“I am a Vietnam vet,” he said.
“I saw the lack of support when I came home, and it just tears you apart and we can’t let that happen to our cops.”
‘A heck of a good job’
Gil Loujan of Port Angeles said police “do a heck of a good job for a lot of people, and people don’t appreciate it. It is really too bad.”
To police, Loujan said, “we have your six.”
McGonigel, a retired federal law enforcement officer, said there were several retired police officers participating in the rally.
“I walked in the shoes of guys like” those involved in deadly use-of-force incidents, he said.
“Until you’ve done that, it is very hard to judge these circumstances. It is not like you see it on TV.”
Speaking to active-duty police, McGonigel said the community “can’t thank you enough for all that you do.”
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Features Editor Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or cmcdaniel@peninsuladailynews.com.
