Cheney and Eastern Washington University officials deemed a large counter-protest of the Westboro Baptist Church Oct. 21 a success.
Around 1,200 people showed up to oppose members of the extremist hate group based in Kansas.
Cheney Police Lt. Dave Mather said the counter-protest went smoothly, with no big problems and just one arrest, which he said was a local man that “didn't surprise us.”
Mather said there were more than 50 officers present from area law enforcement agencies during the 30 minutes the WBC members picketed.
“We were prepared if there was a riot,” he said. “But everybody behaved in a really great way.
“We're really proud of the students and the community for the way they handled themselves.”
EWU President Rodolfo Arevalo issued a statement thanking faculty and staff, student affairs professionals, law enforcement and “in particular our students, for conducting a spirited yet peaceful event in opposition to the message of hate conveyed by the WBC.”
Reader Comments(0)