Russia Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller picked up some unusual supporters Thursday, during a protest march in Buffalo's Elmwood Village. An alliance of groups sponsored the protest, which drew perhaps 1,000 marchers, as part of a nationwide effort.
"Hands off Robert Mueller. Trump is not above the law. Hands off Robert Mueller. Trump is not above the law...."
At one point, five blocks between Bidwell Parkway and West Ferry Street on the east side of Elmwood were filled with marching, chanting and flag-waving protestors. Many were more familiar, from a variety of other protests from the left side of the political spectrum.
"No justice. No peace. No justice. No peace...."
However, the firing of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his replacement, Matthew Whitaker, drew fire. Potentially, Whitaker could fire Mueller, as President Trump has long wanted.
Protests in support of Mueller turned up in cities across the country Thursday. Uriah Burke said that was why he was marching in Buffalo.
"It's absolutely despicable that the president is taking actions to delegitimize the Mueller investigation, as well as potentially fire and defund it," said Burke, "and I genuinely believe these are some of the early steps down the path to having a despot in office, turning into a totalitarian state, and I want to oppose this."
"Tell me what democracy looks like. This is what democracy looks like. Tell me what democracy looks like. This is what democracy looks like...."
Veteran activist Victoria Ross said the marchers were defending American democracy.
"We're interested in having a real democracy and the rule of law and the matter of principle is critical to a functioning democracy," said Ross. "We have a ways to go to have a real democracy."
The protestors carried signs attacking the president, defending Mueller, attacking Whitaker and arguing for the rule of law.
Protester Jane Marinsky said she was marching to support continuing the Mueller investigation.
"Because of the way that Trump has been trying to say that the rule of law does not apply to him," Marinisky said. "I think that he's been involved in criminal events, including obstruction of justice."
