Mattapoisett Police continues investigation into ‘violent’ sign at No Kings protest
A protestor at the Mattapoisett No Kings rally holds a violent sign, leading to a police investigation.
The protestor was photographed at the intersection of U.S. Route 6 and North Street and Shipyard Park.
A protestor at the Mattapoisett No Kings rally holds a violent sign, leading to a police investigation.
The protestor was photographed at the intersection of U.S. Route 6 and North Street and Shipyard Park.
MATTAPOISETT — A photograph of a bearded man supposedly participating in the Oct. 18 Mattapoisett No Kings protest while holding a handmade sign with the message: “WANTED better snipers,” has prompted a police investigation, local social media controversy and a lot of questions.
The man was photographed at the intersection of Route 6 and North Street, holding a sign that read “WANTED: BETTER SNIPERS” with a hand-drawn picture of President Donald Trump with a target on his head.
Details from the investigation, including the identity of the protester and his intentions, are still unknown to the public.
It is also unclear who took the photo of the individual and sent it to the police.
Photos of the individual quickly circulated on social media. The Mattapoisett Police Department announced on Facebook on Wednesday, Oct. 22 that they initiated an investigation into the protester and the “threatening and violent message.”
Organizers of the protest did not see the individual at the initial demonstration or the subsequent rally at Shipyard Park. Attendees also did not report that they saw the individual at either gathering.
This reporter was present throughout the entirety of the protest and rally, and also did not witness the individual holding the sign.
The Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee, which helped organize the protest, “cooperated fully with law enforcement” during the investigation and published a statement about the protester on Friday, Oct. 24.
“It was brought to our attention that one individual in attendance displayed a protest sign that did not align with our values of nonviolence, respect and inclusion. That sign’s content was inappropriate and in poor taste,” said the committee in a statement published on their website.
They add, “Our movement stands for peaceful civic engagement, community solidarity and respect for all. We do not tolerate hate, harassment or intimidation of any kind — and we remain committed to ensuring that all future events continue to reflect these shared values.”
On Sunday, Oct. 26, the Mattapoisett GOP Facebook page announced that they “voluntarily” removed all photos of the sign and protester from their posts.
“After discussion with local authorities, the photo has been verified, [the] person involved [has been] interviewed and information [has been] passed to higher authorities,” said the Mattapoisett GOP post. “... We respect this process and will not comment on this matter until the matter is concluded.”
Police Chief Jason King said that the department “cannot release any further information” related to the ongoing investigation at the time of publication, including confirmation of the alleged “higher authorities” that may be investigating the case.
