Fort Worth police have been the target of vocal criticism from Black Lives Matter supporters for the past two months. “Fuck the racist-ass police” has been a popular chant among Fort Worth protesters since the killing of George Floyd, a black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May. Countering that narrative this morning was a large march and rally dubbed The March for America.
Supporters of law enforcement organized at the Fort Worth Police and Firefighters Memorial near the West 7th Bridge before marching to the Tarrant County Courthouse for a rally that featured speakers Sheriff Bill Waybourn and conservative organizers, politicians, and political candidates. The vast majority of attendees were not wearing face masks as mandated by Gov. Greg Abbott and advised by the broader healthcare community. Carlos Turcios, 18, described why he organized the event.
“We need to come together as a country,” he said. “This is not a partisan issue. Everyone can come together, have a dialogue, and support our country. A house divided cannot stand.”
He worries that the Black Lives Matter movement will “demoralize” police officers and leave communities less safe. As the Blue Lives Matter supporters passed a few dozen Black Lives Matter protesters near the Tarrant County Courthouse, heated words (and more than a few f-bombs) were exchanged between both parties. Police bike patrol placed barriers between the protesters and law enforcement supporters as guest speakers took turns addressing the crowd. Waybourn spoke first.
“Today has been a great blessing,” said the sheriff who is seeking reelection. “We lead at the tip of the spear with love. It was chilling to start at a memorial park where we honor the brave men and women who have died for this city, county, and state. As we hit tumultuous times, it is people who like you who bring hope. As we look around at the wealth and success of this great county, there are two fundamental reasons for this. One, we were blessed by an almighty God. Two, the wisdom of our forefathers to create the greatest [law-based] country the world has ever seen. It is the rule of law that makes it flourish and wealthy.”
As rally attendees chanted, “Four more years!,” members of Black Lives Matter protestors engaged in heated discussions and debates with folks on the pro-law enforcement side of the line of police. The BLM protestors mostly belonged to Enough Is Enough, a Fort Worth grassroots organization, and have partly transitioned from marches to community service and engagement programs, like clothing drives. Enough Is Enough’s goal is to create a more equitable and politically engaged society.
Following the event, Turcios said he plans to organize future rallies around the same causes. He advised likeminded supporters to follow the Frederick Douglass Republicans of Tarrant County on Facebook for updates on upcoming rallies and events.
Love it thank you for supporting our police
We’re you at the same event that I was? I heard only a few F-bombs from BLM. I didn’t hear any from the March for America people. The BLM protestors were peaceful, except for one woman as far as I could tell. (It appeared that maybe she had her own agenda. Her flag said “Take Fort Worth Back”. From …???) This Walk for America was a non-partisan event. All were welcome. Turns out, most participants were conservative. Why does that surprise you? We, and many moderate liberals, believe in our country. We believe that we need and should appreciate First Responders. We believe that Black lives matter. And that the BLM Organization is detrimental to blacks. We also believe that ALL lives matter. Including yours. I ask you to please report honestly. Stop twisting all the stories. Reporting should be narrative, not opinionated. Morals matter!
“Were” you at …. 🙄 Autocorrect . My apologies.
Lisa, I attended the rally! Matter of fact I was on the program for the March for America!
I prayed. For all…….
Also, quoted Love from, the Bible 1st. Corinthians 13.
My name is Michael and I was proudly honored to be apart of The March for America….
I love your comment Lisa❣️✌️💕
Well said Lisa.
Until the Blue respect all regardless of race this is a dumb ass march . And until you experience what we have this march is like fake news there the ones killing for no reason and because they do wear a uniform I have witness the mistreatment in our neighborhoods for no reason . And the young Rookies feel as if they can talk and do us any kind of way. Train them how to deal with all situations not just the whites we’re not all criminals we deserve RESPECT too
Well said Lisa.