SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane anti-Trump protesters rallied in front of the U.S. District Courthouse to express outrage after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned at the president's request.
Demonstrators are concerned Sessions' firing is a sign the president may attempt to impede the Russia investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
Dozens of protesters gathered for the event in Spokane on Friday, which had originally been planned for Thursday evening in unison with events across the nation.
"Its the beginning of trying to stop the investigation. I think he's afraid because he's lost the house, and he's afraid because of the upcoming investigations, and he's doing everything he can to avoid that," said protestor Jim Oxford.
In Spokane, and a few other cities, local organizers decided the nationally-appointed 5:00 p.m. time slot on Thursday was not ideal. The organizers cited the early darkness, saying that speakers would not be able to read their notes.
Despite the altered schedule, about a dozen people came to the courthouse steps on Thursday night.
"Tonight's the time to be heard,” said Carmen Mercer, one of the protestors. “Pull the fire alarm. This is an emergency for democracy in our country."
"We're doing everything we can to make sure that nobody interferes with the investigation and Mr. Mueller,” said another protestor, David Randall.
The few who came out had numerous signs – one read “Dump Trump,” and another “Muller is a patriot.”
Some of the Thursday night protestors were not aware of the local schedule change and some were aware. Both of the groups stayed regardless.
“I felt like tonight we needed to make our voice heard, nationally, and I wanted to be a part of that," Mercer said.
“I was a little disappointed,” Mercer said. “And I also really feel like it's a missed opportunity for the students of Spokane to participate in the protest. I don't want them to have to decide if they're going to cut class to participate in our democracy."
"Hoping that people can come out tomorrow at noon,” Randall said Thursday. “I know some people work and can't get here or whatever, so their participation tonight is very appreciated."