In Photos: LGBTQ rally to support victims of ‘police brutality’

Posted on by Jake Frankel
Photos by John Penley

Activists from the local LGBTQ community rallied Dec. 11 in Asheville at the Vance Monument to show support for “victims of police brutality.” The event was originally organized as a counter-protest to a “Stop Brutalizing Our Police Rally” that had been planned by conservative activists. However, the rally to support police was cancelled by organizers Carl Mumpower and Chad Nesbitt, who issued a press release citing fear of “potential violence” if the events happened simultaneously in the same area.

The LGBTQ rally went on as planned, attracting about 30 people. There was little police presence and attendees were mostly peaceful and law abiding, although a splinter group of self-described anarchists did momentarily interrupt traffic as they started to march down Patton Avenue.

Photographer John Penley documented the the event:

 

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Jake Frankel
Jake Frankel is an award-winning journalist who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, from politics and government to business, education and entertainment.
View all posts by Jake Frankel →

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

4 thoughts on “In Photos: LGBTQ rally to support victims of ‘police brutality’”

  1. @ Liz

    Random drivers and passerby were extremely supportive as this march took the street. Go Asheville! <3

  2. The Weave

    there were a few of these people who used F*** the police on their banner. I really dispise the people who hate others.

  4. Jim

    Useful idiots should travel the world and meet someone from ISIS where they can win prizes like beheadings. Stupid spoiled Americans don’t know just how good they got it. Yet they protest like they are living in a hellhole. 19 trillion is debt, which can never be repaid, and the idiots could care less.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.