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ENLARGE
The scene as GJPD officers cleared away a group of protesters who had briefly blocked Sarah Palin's motorcade as it approached 12th and North on Monday evening. Nobody was arrested, but a criminal investigation has been opened.
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Sarah Palin's motorcade slows as GJPD officers tangle with protesters at 12th and North.
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — A little 8-year-old Barack Obama fan stood firm at the corner of 12th and North, proudly declaring her support.
She held a sign reading “Vote for this one” as streams of Sarah Palin fans filed past.
“I like him because he’s not going to raise our taxes,” the third-grader summed up her support.
Within about 45 minutes, her uncle had enough. They headed home.
“She’s heard enough F-bombs for tonight,” said the uncle, who asked their names not be used for the girl’s safety.
With thousands of Palin supporters converging on downtown Grand Junction Monday afternoon, the intersection of 12th and North played host to an odd collection of protesters with their own political or social axes to grind.
And a prime target headed their way.
A group of 10 people — all marching behind a camouflage banner reading “Democracy Direct” — darted out in front of Palin’s motorcade as it pulled up to the intersection of 12th and North.
Two Grand Junction police officers who literally dove off their motorcycles — others wielding standard-issue batons — ran up to the group and forced them out of the way. The scuffle brought Palin’s motorcade to a brief stop before turning onto North Avenue.
Nobody was arrested on Monday night.
“We have a criminal investigation that’s ongoing,” Deputy Police Chief Troy Smith said of the incident.
Protesters totaled up to 50 at the height of their presence at the four corners of 12th and North — a hodgepodge of Obama supporters, anti-capitalists, anarchists and some protesting “all the above.”
“She’s as good as any choice we’ve got,” said Bernie Mullen, 25, a Mesa State student who proudly held a sign reading “Tina Fey for President.”
Grand Junction Police Officer Colin Daugherty stood in the median in front of Stocker Stadium, snapping photos of various protesters.
“There was no directive or anything like that issued,” Daugherty said of GJPD’s photography activity Monday afternoon at Palin’s rally.
“Just some counter surveillance, in case something happens.”
Scott Wilson, 50, who made the trip from Delta County to show his Obama colors, stood at the northwest corner of 12th and North.
“I’ve never seen so much racial divide in an election,” Wilson said.
Wilson was among several at the corner who claimed to be targeted with racial slurs from passing motorists. One woman filing into the rally screamed “Obama is the Antichrist.” She declined to be interviewed.
Dan Deslauriers, who insists he hasn’t decided who he’s supporting in November’s election, walked to the intersection armed with a video camera.
“Just talking to people on both sides, the commentary is pretty extreme,” he said.
“There’s not a lot in the middle here.”
Reach Paul Shockley at pshockley@gjfreepress.com
She held a sign reading “Vote for this one” as streams of Sarah Palin fans filed past.
“I like him because he’s not going to raise our taxes,” the third-grader summed up her support.
Within about 45 minutes, her uncle had enough. They headed home.
“She’s heard enough F-bombs for tonight,” said the uncle, who asked their names not be used for the girl’s safety.
With thousands of Palin supporters converging on downtown Grand Junction Monday afternoon, the intersection of 12th and North played host to an odd collection of protesters with their own political or social axes to grind.
And a prime target headed their way.
A group of 10 people — all marching behind a camouflage banner reading “Democracy Direct” — darted out in front of Palin’s motorcade as it pulled up to the intersection of 12th and North.
Two Grand Junction police officers who literally dove off their motorcycles — others wielding standard-issue batons — ran up to the group and forced them out of the way. The scuffle brought Palin’s motorcade to a brief stop before turning onto North Avenue.
Nobody was arrested on Monday night.
“We have a criminal investigation that’s ongoing,” Deputy Police Chief Troy Smith said of the incident.
Protesters totaled up to 50 at the height of their presence at the four corners of 12th and North — a hodgepodge of Obama supporters, anti-capitalists, anarchists and some protesting “all the above.”
“She’s as good as any choice we’ve got,” said Bernie Mullen, 25, a Mesa State student who proudly held a sign reading “Tina Fey for President.”
Grand Junction Police Officer Colin Daugherty stood in the median in front of Stocker Stadium, snapping photos of various protesters.
“There was no directive or anything like that issued,” Daugherty said of GJPD’s photography activity Monday afternoon at Palin’s rally.
“Just some counter surveillance, in case something happens.”
Scott Wilson, 50, who made the trip from Delta County to show his Obama colors, stood at the northwest corner of 12th and North.
“I’ve never seen so much racial divide in an election,” Wilson said.
Wilson was among several at the corner who claimed to be targeted with racial slurs from passing motorists. One woman filing into the rally screamed “Obama is the Antichrist.” She declined to be interviewed.
Dan Deslauriers, who insists he hasn’t decided who he’s supporting in November’s election, walked to the intersection armed with a video camera.
“Just talking to people on both sides, the commentary is pretty extreme,” he said.
“There’s not a lot in the middle here.”
Reach Paul Shockley at pshockley@gjfreepress.com
