Peace in Saxonburg marred by rumor of violent protest
SAXONBURG — Residents were up in arms Wednesday afternoon after a social media fueled rumor sparked concerns that out-of-town protesters would run amok in the borough.
The death of George Floyd while being arrested by police in Minneapolis has sparked protests, some violent, across the country.
The rumored protest led to residents lining Saxonburg's West Main Street, many dressed in army fatigues, armed with assault rifles and pistols.
About 15 police officers and other authorities converged on the borough in anticipation of violence, Saxonburg Police Chief Joe Beachem said.
But the violence never materialized. Instead, a handful of area residents gathered to protest Floyd's death.
“Every human is made in the image of God, but if you don't believe that, it's hard to see them as valuable as yourself,” said Ben Case, 29, who is youth and adult director at Saxonburg Presbyterian Church. “I think that's why people don't understand why black lives matter.”
Jason Hicks, 29, of Sarver, said he respected peaceful protests, but he and his group, The Minutemen, arrived armed after they heard a rumor on Facebook that there might be protesters from Pittsburgh showing up.
“We support what cops do. What one cop did doesn't represent the greater Blue Line,” Hicks said. “There are a lot of business owners here to protect their property.”
One of those owners, Kyle Toth, 28, of Saxonburg, stood armed with a long rifle.
Toth, who owns Toth Trucking and Excavation, parked his dump truck in front of the entrance to Body Genesis to prevent any would-be looters from entering. His gun, he said, was loaded “just in case.”
He said what happened to Floyd was wrong, but that doesn't justify “coming into these small towns and destroying everything.”
But Frances Martin, 22, of Saxonburg, stressed that there was no need for such measures.
“I love this town and I want to have a conversation with them. But I know how people of color are seen. They're assumed to be criminals,” she said.
