23-02-2025
Nobody showed up to political protest after Warner Robins police try to shut it down
A busy road in Warner Robins was quiet Saturday after police warned possible protesters to keep away.
Nobody showed up to what was supposed to have been a demonstration, seemingly against President Donald Trump, from 3-6 p.m. in front of At Home furniture store at 2063 Watson Blvd.
The Warner Robins Police Department got wind of a flyer that was 'distributed in a local school to assemble and protest,' a Friday afternoon news release from WRPD stated. Protests were also planned for every Saturday until March 22, according to the flyer.
The flyer advised anyone who felt oppressed or threatened by Trump to 'defend your rights.' It also called on Republican House Rep. Austin Scott to 'stand up for Georgians harmed by executive orders.'
The president signed 73 executive orders his first month in office, NBC reported. Many orders enforced international tariffs, mass deportation of immigrants; and federal funding cuts related to climate change, health, and diversity programs.
The poster urged people to bring flags and signs 'if you haven't felt safe since Trump took office …, can't 'love thy neighbor' without getting condemned …, or maybe it's as simple as cheaper eggs for you.'
Average egg prices hit a record high in January due to an ongoing bird flu outbreak, according to the Associated Press. However, Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance promised in August 2024 that if elected, they would 'bring (grocery) prices down, starting on day one,' Newsweek reported.
Nobody filed a permit with the police department to gather on public areas such as streets or sidewalks, or on the private property of the furniture store, officers said. The store also told officers it did not condone anyone assembling there.
'Therefore, anyone assembling will be in violation of code,' WRPD said. Officers cited municipal code sections 23-46, 23-52, and 23-64 in a news release.
The laws require a public demonstration permit to be filed no more than 90 days and no fewer than seven days before the event.
The city and police department said they support the rights of free speech and protests 'on designated public facilities,' but they must '(protect) property, public safety, health and welfare, and controlling use of streets and other public facilities and venues,' the news release said.
