CROWD PROTESTS WHITAKER APPOINTMENT

More than 150 activists joined a hastily organized demonstration, Thursday at dusk, to protest President Trump’s installation of longtime ally Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general.

In turn, the demonstrators supported Robert Mueller’s investigation into what some say was Russian interference during the 2016 presidential election. The rally took place at the historic courthouse, two days after the midterm election and a day after the forced resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Jessica Weingarten, chair of Indivisible Chester County, told the crowd that there is strength in numbers.

“What I’m here for is to tell people that there is light at the end of the tunnel, because good always triumphs over evil,” Weingarten said. “There are many things we need to do and the most important of all is that we must love them more than they hate us.”

She said the people who came out to the rally were supporting America.

“The more we stand together, the more we can accomplish,” she said. “We stand as one.” Protest signs were held high. The audience roared as Claire Weitzleben shouted chants and

the demonstrators replied in kind.

“Who is above the law?” she yelled.

“No one is above the law,” they responded.

“Trump is not above the law.” The crowd got louder. “When liberty is under attack, what do we do?” “Stand up, fight back.” Thursday’s demonstrators mouthed a chant voiced by protesters who regularly meet Fridays, a couple hundred feet away at Rep. Ryan Costello’s, R-6, former office.

“Show me what democracy looks like,” Weitzleben said.

And they responded: “This is what democracy looks like.”

Tammy Harkness is a member of Concerned Constituent Action Group.

“We believe in the rule of law,” she said. “We have a present who doesn’t believe in the rule of law.

“Enough is enough. We have to stand up against Donald Trump.”

Downingtown Mayor Josh Maxwell hoped the nationwide event sends a message to Trump.

“We believe in fairness and the truth,” Maxwell said. “We won’t follow anybody blindly.

“We’re going to do what’s right, follow the truth and never give up.”

Garen Meguerian is with Way Forward Phoenixville and addressed Tuesday’s vote.

“Democracy is not for citizen spectators,” he said. “We must remain engaged.

“We cannot become complacent even for a minute.”

BILL RETTEW - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Signs were everywhere on the steps of the historic courthouse.

BILL RETTEW - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Dusk settles in at a Mueller rally.

BILL RETTEW - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Tammy Harkness, left, and Jessica Weingarten lead 150 demonstrators opposed to Jeff Sessions forced resignation.