Flags blew in the light breeze and sunshine in Senatobia on Saturday Oct. 3, as citizens gathered for a Back the Blue and Trump Parade. The event was posted on social media sites and encouraged residents to gather in support of the President and policemen across the country.
“If you support our president, law enforcement, and our country then there should be no reason why you wouldn’t show up!” the post stated.
The posting went on to encourage participants to show their American pride by letting their flags fly.
Although the original post stated the assembly was to gather at the Walmart parking lot in Senatobia, the group ended up meeting in the parking lot of Senatobia Plaza off of Norfleet Drive.
Senatobia Police department issued a post on social media sites the day prior to the event on Oct. 2, warning citizens of a traffic alert.
“We are expecting heavy traffic tomorrow between 11 and 12 in the Senatobia Plaza shopping complex due to a political event,” stated the post by the city’s police department. “The Senatobia Police Department and other state and local law enforcement will be monitoring this event to ensure public safety. The mission of Law Enforcement during this event will be to ensure that the citizens of Senatobia and the motoring public are safe just as it would be for any event that has a possible impact in our community. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.”
The parade left the parking lot and moved north on Norfleet before turning north on Highway 51 moving toward Coldwater.
Senatobia Police Chief Richard Chandler expressed gratitude for the show of support toward officers in uniform.
“We always appreciate hearing support from all members of the community,” Chandler said. “Even if it’s someone saying thank you when we get a cup of coffee at a gas station.”
Along the parade route, anti-Trump protestors stationed themselves close to the intersection of Norfleet and Highway 51 to protest the event. The protestors held signs and posters displaying anti-Trump messages and yelled profanity at the parade participates.
Despite the opposing view points converging in Senatobia, Chief Chandler confirmed there were no violent incidents.
“Everything was peaceful,” Chandler stated. “There were no incidents.”
