Rally to support law enforcement held in Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A rally to support law enforcement drew about 100 people and some protesters in Sioux Falls on Saturday.

Those attending waved American flags and held up handmade signs that encouraged supporting police. Many supporters wore masks and some wore “Make America Great Again” hats. Many passing cars honked and waved back. A pickup towing a trailer with “TRUMP” emblazoned on the side drew cheers as it passed along the street.

Organizer Lloyd Ringrose told the Argus Leader he was pleased with the turnout, which was about five times what he expected.

“I had no idea it was gonna explode like this. I put out an invite on Facebook to let people know and it just blew up. I certainly have nothing to complain about with the turnout,” Ringrose said.

Many attendees say they wanted to show their support because they have friends or family who have served in law enforcement.

Some protesters showed up holding signs protesting police brutality and supporting Black Lives Matter. They held up signs reading “No Justice, No Peace” and “The System is Corrupt” and chanted “Say his name/George Floyd,” after the handcuffed Black man who died in Minneapolis after a white police officer put his knee on his neck for nearly 8 minutes on May 25.