News Summary
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for potential political unrest as protests titled ‘No Kings’ are set to take place at Unity Park this weekend. Organized by local groups, the rally aims to honor veterans and address their issues while advocating for constitutional rights. Local law enforcement is deploying additional deputies to ensure peaceful demonstrations after unrest in other cities raised concerns about violence. Sheriff Hobart Lewis emphasized the importance of peaceful expression as the community anticipates this politically charged event.
Greenville, South Carolina – The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office is prepared for potential political unrest this weekend as nationwide “No Kings” protests are scheduled for June 14, coinciding with Flag Day and former President Donald Trump’s birthday. Sheriff Hobart Lewis announced that additional deputies will be deployed in anticipation of protests planned at Unity Park, starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
The local “No Kings” rally, organized by the 50501 People’s Movement and joined by local groups such as the Greenville Progressive Coalition, will emphasize the theme “Valor over Vanity.” This rally is aimed at honoring veterans and demanding better support for them, as well as defending constitutional rights. Organizers highlight that the gathering seeks to raise awareness about veteran issues and to oppose perceived threats to democratic values.
Previous protests held at Unity Park by these groups have remained peaceful. In contrast, the protests occurring elsewhere in the nation have prompted concerns about potential violence. Recent unrest in Los Angeles surrounding similar issues led to the deployment of National Guard members and Marines, culminating in over 100 arrests due to clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
In Greenville, Sheriff Lewis expressed a commitment to monitoring these planned demonstrations, encouraging participants to express their views peacefully. He assured the public that local law enforcement would not respond in a manner similar to what has occurred in cities like Los Angeles, where violence escalated, leading to blocked freeways and property damage.
To ensure safety, approximately 150 equipped deputies are on standby. In addition, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has issued a public safety advisory warning participants against violent actions, including attacks on law enforcement or property damage. Wilson emphasized that anyone violating the law under these circumstances would face arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent.
The protests on June 14 are part of a coordinated national day of action linked to a military parade in Washington D.C., celebrating Trump’s birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Various protests across South Carolina, including cities like Spartanburg, Seneca, Rock Hill, Columbia, and Charleston, signify widespread opposition to Trump’s policies.
Michelle Shara, an organizer from the 50501 People’s Movement, stated that the rally aims to highlight the importance of courage, accountability, and constitutional respect while honoring veterans. Trained de-escalators are expected to be present at the rally to help maintain a peaceful environment amidst the protests.
As the weekend approaches, local law enforcement is on high alert to ensure that the protests can proceed safely and without incident. The community is being urged to engage in peaceful expression while remaining mindful of the legal boundaries surrounding demonstrations. Public safety remains a top priority as preparations continue for this politically significant day.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Sheriff Protests
- Greenville Online: Organizers Respond
- ABC News 4: Anti-Trump Rallies
- WYFF4: Planned Protests
- WRDW: Anti-Trump Protests
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Google Search: Political Protests South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
