PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Capitol City on Monday night was effectively an armed encampment.
Dozens of armed local, county, and state police were deployed throughout the City of Pierre concentrating on keeping the peace amid peaceful protest and constant rumors of potential unrest.
Members of the 235th Military Police SDNG were deployed alongside civilian authorities, individually armed and deployed in military vehicles. The greatest concentration surrounded the state capitol building and the adjacent Governor’s residence where armed State Troopers were visibly deployed throughout the grounds.
Heavily armed State Troopers surrounded the Capitol with counter rifleman teams deployed on the roof.
A peaceful protest began around 5 p,m. CDT Monday and continued as the sun began to set Monday. The initial crowd swelled to roughly sixty before largely breaking up hours later. A smaller group of two dozen continued their protest at nightfall.
But rumors of potential unrest like that observed in Sioux Falls Sunday night have both local citizens and state officials worried. Businesses in Pierre closed early as social media rumors and unsubstantiated reports circulated widely as the day closed.
A small group of local business owners and others were armed and standing outside several businesses in downtown Pierre, their legal sidearms easily clearly visible. Pierre Police and SDNG Military Police stood post just up the block.
But despite the buildup all reports are that Pierre is peaceful. Both protestors and police say citizens are offering water and support with hopes that a peaceful protest remains such.
