Fired up over Sessions ouster
Hundreds gather Downtown to urge continuation of unbiased investigation of Russian election interference
Hundreds protested during rush hour Thursday evening outside the City-County Building in Downtown in support of special prosecutor Robert Mueller, chanting and waving signs to dissuade President Donald Trump from interfering with the Russia investigation.
The crowd filled the building’s front steps and stretched for nearly a block in both directions along Grant Street. Demonstrators waved American flags at passing motorists, some of whom shouted or honked their horns in support.
“No one is above the law, not the president, not the smallest child,” said Tracy Baton, a social worker from Park Place who organized the event. “In a constitutional democracy, everyone operates under the rule of law.”
She said Mr. Trump must not intervene in Mr. Mueller’s work.
The turnout at 6 p.m. roughly coincided with demonstrations across the nation that were quickly announced for Thursday after Mr. Trump a day earlier sought and received the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Mr. Sessions’ recusal from the Russia probe last year drew the president’s ire.
Matthew Whitaker, named as acting replacement for Mr. Sessions, is seen by critics as a Republican loyalist who they contend may move to end or curb the probe.
Mr. Mueller has been investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether individuals with the Trump campaign colluded. He has secured indictments and criminal convictions. Mr. Trump and his allies call the probe a witch hunt by Democrats.
Ms. Baton, director of the Women’s March on Washington-Pittsburgh, said Mr. Trump’s move Wednesday placed the investigation under someone she described as a crony of the president.
“We can’t have effective laws if people are investigating themselves,” she said.
The announcement about Mr. Sessions came the day after midterm elections, and some said Thursday night that they had hoped to catch their breath after canvassing for candidates, but the stakes were too high for them not to show up.
“I’m worried about Mueller being fired or the investigation being impeded in any way,” said Lori Sisson, 64, of Forest Hills. “We need a full and thorough investigation.”
Ethan Winter, 27, of Ross, was carrying a sign that said: “Trump what are you afraid of? Protect the rule of law.”
Thursday night’s protest, organized nationwide by groups including MoveOn, was peaceful in Pittsburgh and lasted about half an hour. A smaller group of about 40 continued to stand along Grant Street past 8 p.m., holding signs and shouting phrases that included, “Whitaker must recuse!”