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Dale O'dell's Observations:

I seldom fear for my safety, but I had some trepidation before covering this event. Journalists are targets, there’s the potential for outside agitators, and I’d read online threats of violence from local MAGA people. The military is being used against our own citizens in Los Angeles, Trump had a military parade, and the day began with a political hate crime murder in Minnesota. I’ve felt safer photographing grizzly bears in Alaska.

Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. The large crowd was peaceful and with the exception of a few assault rifle-toting MAGA guys, there was no counter-protesting. There was a heavy police-presence including snipers on some rooftops.

Still, I’d rather attend a bad craft show on the square than a political rally. The fact that there was even a thing like the “No Kings” rally is a clear indicator of the unhealthy nature of American society at this time. Nationwide it was an impressive show of solidarity, but signs and chants don’t really change anything.