By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Protesters opposing the conflict in Iran exchanged words with an unknown individual on Saturday in Hays.
A Facebook event page said the demonstration aimed to oppose escalating war and violence, particularly the conflict involving Iran, while advocating for peace, diplomacy and accountability.
Protesters holding signs gathered at the corner of 27th and Vine streets when a man in a pickup truck parked behind them and shouted at the group, a Hays Post reporter observed.
The man then exited his vehicle and shouted at protesters, a Hays Post reporter observed. Protesters shouted back, a Hays Post reporter observed. The unknown individual walked along the sidewalk, continuing to shout as a smaller group of protesters confronted and recorded him, a Hays Post reporter observed.
Officers with the Hays Police Department arrived and quickly took the man into custody without further incident. Police interviewed witnesses and reviewed video of the interaction.
It was unknown at the time of this post whether the police department would request charges against the man.
Anna Towns, chairwoman of the Ellis County Democratic Party and organizer of the event, said she witnessed the exchange and was not surprised.
"We get some agitators every time. This is the first time one has actually gotten out of their vehicle. That kind of surprised me," she said.
The Facebook event also said a core principle of all 'No Kings' events is a commitment to nonviolent action. Towns said everyone is welcome to share their opinion, but without confrontation.
She thanked the Hays Police Department for helping keep the event safe.
The 'No Kings' protest was part of a nationwide demonstration. Towns said addressing U.S. involvement in Iran is important because the country should not engage in “meaningless wars.”
"We shouldn't be fighting wars for other people. I also think there's a point of contention in the U.S. right now, and doing things that bring us together is more important than trying to divide us," Towns said.
Amy Warfield of Victoria said drivers have previously gone behind protesters to yell at them. This was her third 'No Kings' protest.
"It can be scary, but we have people who are ready and able to diffuse situations," she said.
Warfield said she attended the demonstration to oppose actions by the Trump administration and said she believes U.S. involvement in Iran is unconstitutional without congressional approval.
"More thought needs to go into entering conflicts like that because there are major consequences globally and at home," Warfield said.
Warfield added she is concerned about long-term consequences and hopes for a peaceful resolution, which she believes could serve as common ground with those who support U.S. involvement in Iran.
"I would hope that no one would want to continue a war. It seems like there isn't a clear purpose to having started it. I think that should be easy common ground between both sides," she said.
