A nationwide protest against President Donald Trump's administration will include a Forest Grove protest at the flagpole Saturday, October 18 beginning at 4:30 p.m.
The protest is one of many organized there this year by Indivisible Forest Grove, a local chapter of the national Indivisible organization.
"The group will be protesting the corrupt and illegal actions of the Trump Administration and the federal government’s ongoing abuse of power, and invites anyone from the local community and surrounding areas to join the protest," Indivisible Forest Grove said in a press release.
“The more participants we have, the more powerful our voice. Party affiliation is not important here - what’s important is standing up for our Constitution. In June, we had over 600 people at our first No Kings rally, and they ran the gamut of political affiliation from conservative to progressive. We may not agree on the issues, but what matters here is our concern for the fragile state of our democracy, which we believe is under attack from Trump and his minions, " said Beth Genly, described as one of Indivisible Forest Grove's leaders in a press release.
The giant flagpole east of Safeway at the triangle formed by the start of Forest Grove's one-way grid has become a common protest site.
Former Forest Grove Mayor Pete Truax, currently a Forest Grove School Board member, will speak, the group said in a press release.
"A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action," the group said, asking participants in the protest to "de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with their values."
The group has held several protests in the area, all of which have been peaceful, family-oriented demonstrations with children and dogs present.
The group said yellow-vested volunteers would be on hand as peacekeepers.
"We are aware of the protest," Forest Grove Police Department spokesperson Sergeant Andrew Colasurdo said in an email to News in the Grove. "There will not be any officers specifically assigned to the protest, but officers will respond as needed. We are not aware of any counter protests," he added.
Demonstrations are also planned in Hillsboro, other areas in Washington County, and throughout Oregon.
This story has been updated with a quote from the Forest Grove Police Department.
