Nearly 50 locals gather for protest in Brookville Saturday

"I truly believe this isn’t a Democrat or Republican thing," she said

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – Nearly 50 people gathered in front of the Franklin County Courthouse for a protest on Saturday. 

It was part of nationwide demonstrations taking place this weekend through an organization called 50501, which means 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement. 

The 812 stopped by to gain a better understanding of why these demonstrations are taking place. 

Franklin County Democratic Party Chairperson Christina Persson said she is concerned about the changes happening at the federal level. 

“I know there are people that think this is just the Democrats wanting to protest just because they lost the election, but for me it’s not. I am scared that we are headed toward an authoritarian government,” Persson said. 

Persson added that she lived in Sweden for a period of time and points to that country’s healthcare, education and social programs as examples of what the United States government could be. 

She also mentioned the budget cuts being made by the Department of Government Efficiency. 

“It would be great if he was cutting departments in the name of helping people, but I don’t believe he is,” she said. 

Persson also said that she believes the current political climate isn’t as simple as party affiliation. 

“I truly believe this isn’t a Democrat or Republican thing. This is a class war, and it is the billionaire and millionaire class against everyone else. If we stand back and let them change our democracy, we will be screwed and life would be changed as we know it," she said.

The demonstration in Brookville marked the second protest that has happened locally in April, as there was also a protest in Greensburg earlier this month.

Here are some other photos from the demonstration in Brookville: