Peaceful but lively protest at site of Detroit EFM announcement

Peaceful but lively protest at site of Detroit EFM announcement

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Protesters gathered outside Cadillac Place in Detroit on Thursday.  (Credit: Fox 2 News) Protesters gathered outside Cadillac Place in Detroit on Thursday. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
DETROIT (WJBK) -

About 300 people gathered outside Cadillac Place in Detroit on Thursday. The governor may have made his decision, but this group said the fight is far from over.

The official appointment of an emergency financial manager fired up the crowd. They chanted and carried signs claiming the governor has stolen their democratic rights. Voters didn't want an EFM, yet Detroit had no choice.

"This is nothing but a takeover. This is so unfair. Snyder is not for the people," said one protester.

"I'm fighting for peace and democracy. I feel that Snyder has taken our rights as far as voting," said protester Joann Jackson.

This is the first of many demonstrations and lawsuits to come according to the Detroit Chapter of the National Action Network. It was a peaceful but lively protest.

Even in the final moments, Rev. W.J. Rideout, who helped organize the rally, said he attempted to speak to the governor hoping to change his mind, but he was told it was too late.

"The state [owes] us money. Tell Governor Snyder to pay us the $224 million that he [owes] us, then this can go away," said Rideout.

Not everyone that attended the rally was against a state takeover.

"I'm for change if he can fix the streets, turn the lights on, fix the police department, restructure without destroying unions and families," said Mike Cunningham.

Detroit and Michigan State Police were standing by if the protest would turn violent, but it did not. Only one man was rushed away by ambulance due to a medical emergency.

The crowd left when the governor did, but protesters wanted to make it clear they'll be back.

"We continue to fight. We continue to let him know that we're going to protest, we're going to organize, we're going to rally, we're going to do what [we've] got to do to send a message to him and let him know that this is wrong," Rideout said.

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