By Mike Hazlip–
Supporters of President-elect Donald Trump gathered at Sunrise Mall on Saturday, Nov. 9, before departing in a caravan known as a “Trump Train” headed for Grass Valley, participants said.
One of the event organizers, who only identified herself as “Beast” because she said she feared reprisal from ANTIFA, said there were several individuals involved in planning the grass-roots event.
A social media account for the group freedom_riders1776 posted several announcements for what was billed as a “victory party” at the US Bank and Macy’s parking lot on the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane.
Between 50 and 100 vehicles filled the Macy’s parking lot along Greenback Lane from about 11 a.m. until participants departed at about 1 p.m.
Citrus Heights Police Lt. William Dunning said the event was peaceful and that officers were on hand to monitor the activity. Political events can sometimes encourage counter demonstrations from people with opposing views, Dunning said. There were no conflicts at Saturday’s event, he noted.
“Our job in these types of situations is to make sure that people have the ability to express their First Amendment, while also not causing any kind of disturbances that would slow down traffic,” Dunning said. “Making sure they’re not in the roadway, making sure that anybody that has opposing views — that there isn’t any kind of conflict there.”
Participants were cooperative with police, Dunning added.
Sunrise Marketplace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter said organizers did not have permission from the property owner, emphasizing the need to work with the mall’s management and security for future events. A similar event held before the election had 300 to 400 vehicles, according to Carpenter.
“This is private property,” Carpenter said. “There is a process that you must follow. Please contact the property for permission and to find out what their requirements are.”
Carpenter said free speech is protected at shopping malls, but the time, place, and manner of the speech may be restricted. The restrictions do not involve the content of the speech, Carpenter added.
