Protesters gather near the Nevada Capitol building in downtown Carson City to protest President Joe Biden’s inauguration Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 | 1:39 p.m.
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As Joe Biden recited the oath of office and officially became the 46th president of the United States, a Northern Nevada man thousands of miles away appeared to mourn the death of a nation, gripping a red, white and blue sign that read, “AMERICA DIED TODAY: R.I.P.”
The anti-Biden protester was one of the first to show at the Nevada Capitol complex Wednesday morning for a demonstration to refute the months-long results of a heavily contested election that saw Donald Trump lose re-election.
The peaceful protest, which grew to a couple dozen by late morning, was likely a welcome respite for authorities who were preparing for chaos following the deadly siege inflicted by pro-Trump supporters at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
The FBI, following that riot, warned of rumored armed protests from Sunday through Biden’s inauguration at state capitols across the country, noting that there was no credible threat. Citing a “trap,” prominent Trump supporters told protesters to steer clear, and the events ultimately fizzled.
Nevada authorities prepared either way. Steel barriers, which mostly resemble bike racks, remained there Wednesday, blocking parking around the government complex in downtown Carson City.
Officers from different jurisdictions showed their presence, patrolling around the facility by car and bicycle. Law enforcement was on high alert since Sunday, but Wednesday’s small showing was the only activity in four days.
While the protest was staged in the vicinity of the Capitol building, demonstrators focused their signs and flags on passing motorists, who mostly honked in support.
Protesters parroted Trump election conspiracies, railing against China, Gov. Steve Sisolak, Biden, Democrats, political “traitors” and the media. Though the messages on their signs were grim, saying the country was dead or calling for Biden’s impeachment, the protesters appeared festive, dancing to classic rock, carrying the American and Trump campaign flags, and waving back at motorists.
With a .357 Magnum pistol holstered on his hip, organizer Lee Elliott said this was the 44th week in a row that he and the group had gathered in front of the statehouse to protest, having zero violent incidents. He said he disavowed the kind of violence seen earlier this month in Washington, D.C., and spoke about not tolerating demonstrators who aren’t peaceful.
“It’s not so much about Trump being out of office, it’s about corruption and fraud that instilled itself in every level of government … dogcatcher up to president of the United States,” said Elliott, citing disproven conspiracies of a stolen election.
Elliott said he’s been politically active since the campaign of President Richard Nixon. He voted for Trump twice.
Elliott joked with a passing capitol officer, asking if he’d heard about protesters who would cause violence. Smiling, the officer shot back, “I’d prefer you don’t. I don’t like paperwork.”
Elliott said the response he’d gotten on a post on his Facebook page, asking whether or not it was time to take up arms to “defend the Constitution,” was generally yes, though he stressed he was not advocating it.
“It’s not about Biden, it’s not about Trump. It’s about the Constitution that I carry in my pouch,” Elliott said, patting the pocket of his sweatshirt.
Elliott said he is putting together a protest for Feb. 1, the first day of the upcoming legislative session. Similar protests happened almost daily this summer during special sessions of the Legislature to address the budget deficit brought on by the pandemic.
He said the protests in Carson City were generally peaceful, despite some minor disagreements between protesters and counterprotesters.
“If any of these people start violence, I’ll stop them. I’m not afraid,” he said.
