Oregonians from Portland to Ashland took part Thursday evening in a nationwide series of demonstrations. The actions were to support special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible involvement by President Donald Trump’s campaign.
More than a hundred people gathered near the Plaza in downtown Ashland. Local resident Lynne Hasselman explained her reasons for being there.
"I’m all about protecting the Department of Justice’s independence, and protecting the Mueller investigation and protecting freedom of the press," she said. "And I think that’s going to lead to protecting our country from a constitutional crisis."
Ashland resident Maria Metivier said she wanted to make a stand for the rule of law.
"No one is above the law," she said, "including the president of the United States."
Hundreds of similar demonstrations were reported across the country in response to Trump replacing Attorney General Jeff Sessions with Sessions’ chief of staff, Matt Whitaker. Whitaker has publicly critcized the investigation and protesters said they fear Trump appointed him to hobble the Russia probe or even shut it down.
The actions were organized online by a coalition of progressive groups including MoveOn-dot-org, Common Cause and Public Citizen.
