LOCAL NEWS

‘Back The Blue’ Protest Held In Cedar City

Jun 11, 2020, 10:30 PM | Updated: 11:13 pm

CEDAR CITY, Utah – More than 100 people showed up at a Cedar City protest on Thursday, but organizers said it was more of a rally in support of law enforcement.

Every day for the past two weeks, a protest has been held demanding change in how police departments operate.

But the protest held in Cedar City Thursday night was different.

Instead of signs demeaning police officers, this protest was in support of them and against the hostility and violence shown toward officers.

“We can disagree. We can ask for better treatment. We can ask for equality, but we need to do it in a way where we’re not hurting people,” said Dan Kidder.

Kidder is the organizer of the “Back The Blue” protest.

He said it’s not meant to oppose the protests of the past two weeks.

Instead, it’s to show there are good officers out there who could use some support with everything else going on right now.

“We feel there can be a balance between treating people properly, but also protecting those who we entrust to protect us,” said Kidder.

About a hundred people showed up with signs supporting the police, as well as some people with signs saying, “end police brutality” and “black lives matter.”

“I believe in peaceful protest. I believe there’s nothing more American than protesting and getting out in the street and standing up for what you believe in,” said Kidder.

Chief Darin Adams with the Cedar City Police Department said it’s good for his department’s morale to see the support.

“I know on behalf of my officers, they appreciate citizens coming out amidst everything going on in the community and in the country,” Adams said.

Though most agree some changes need to be made, they don’t agree with the violence they feel has gotten out of hand.

“Looting and violence isn’t protesting — it’s rioting,” said Kidder. “We’ve had over 800 officers that have been hospitalized and several killed just in the past two weeks, and none of that is productive in creating a dialog to help fix the problems that we really have in this country.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Skiers compete at the Dear Valley World Cup....

Emma Benson

‘Super Bowl of freestyle’: World’s best skiers compete at Deer Valley World Cup

The Super Bowl may be tomorrow, but they call this the Super Bowl of freestyle skiing.

43 minutes ago

Construction work on the Cottage Homes development in Sandy on Dec. 9. A study led by a University ...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com

Mass deportation negatively impacts housing availability, affordability, jobs, Utah study says

A month before President Donald Trump officially took office on Jan. 20, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reinforced the state's plans to aid the Trump administration in deporting undocumented immigrants living in the country en masse.

1 hour ago

FILE - A snowplow in Little Cottonwood Canyon as the storm hits the road....

Jacob Freeman

7 separate accidents cause delays on I-15 in Lehi

Drivers were experiencing delays Saturday evening after seven separate accidents were reported on Interstate 15 in Lehi.

3 hours ago

People walk through art booths at the Art Market at Millcreek Common on Jan. 24. (Millcreek Common)...

Cassidy Wixcom, KSL.com

‘Connect with community’: Millcreek art show spotlights Wasatch Front-inspired pieces

For Miriam Gutierrez, connecting with other local artists can be an eye-opening experience seeing what people from different areas create.

5 hours ago

An officer assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division Bike Squad ...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest 2 people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for a suspected drug trafficking operation in Library Square. 

7 hours ago

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue responds to an avalanche fatality in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sa...

Jacob Freeman

One dead after avalanche in Big Cottonwood

One person died after an avalanche in the Silver Fork area of Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

‘Back The Blue’ Protest Held In Cedar City