A large crowd gathered Saturday afternoon at the Missouri Capitol to show their support for President Donald Trump and his fight to stay in office.
It was the second weekend in a row Trump supporters from across the state came to the Capitol. According to trumpmarch.com, similar events were held at state capitols across the country Saturday.
Saturday's rally featured speakers in the Capitol Rotunda with state Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin, R-Shelbina, who organized the rally, telling the crowd they had the power to get their message out of needing to defend Christian beliefs and the sanctity of life. She encouraged them to talk with the people they are in contact with every day, and let them know President Trump supports those values.
"I think it's important to not to just engage with your friends and neighbors, but try to have cordial conversations with everyone, and hopefully we can bridge a few of the gaps," O'Laughlin said. "I feel and the crowd here feels that the agenda of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris is opposite from what we believe. We need to try and understand each other, but still speak up for things we believe in, and do it in a way accepted, not in a strident or angry way."
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft also addressed the crowd, telling them he was proud that in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic they were able to conduct a fair election.
"You, the voter, are who make the determination of who should be elected," Ashcroft said. "Until the process of counting, canvassing and certification is done in these other states, nothing has been decided."
Ashcroft also said he was proud both of Missouri's U.S. senators - Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley - publicly saying the process needed to be followed before declaring a winner.
After the Rotunda portion of the rally concluded, Trump supporters walked around the sidewalks surrounding the Capitol Complex, traveling from Broadway Street, up along High Street, down Jefferson Street and then back up East Capitol Avenue. They carried Trump signs, and some drove their vehicles with Trump and American flags.
Organizers of the rally said they hope more people see there are many who are wanting to make sure the constitutional system of government continues to exist and believe President Trump is the person who can make sure that happens.
"This isn't just about this election," Ashcroft said. "If we can't have elections where the people can't trust that they are done fairly, how can people be expected to follow the Constitution? We need to ensure that elections are transparent and that voters vote only once per election."
"I'm sure more rallies will be taking place in the future," O'Laughlin said. "People feel that the election is being stolen and questions need to be answered, and that's what the legal process is for. I know people are tired of politics, but I'm glad there are a number of people still wanting to be engaged in the process."