Peaceful 'No Kings' rally a success despite assailant wielding pellet gun

Millions of Americans turned out on Saturday, March 28, for more than 3,300 "No Kings" events in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Washington, D.C., and towns and cities around the world. Available data indicates the protestors numbered between 8 million and 9 million, making it the largest one-day protest in American history. Approximately 2,000 of those protestors were at the intersection of Bell Road and Highway 49 in Auburn. The mood was hopeful, playful and congenial. Several people dressed in cartoon costumes or wore T-shirts with heart-felt slogans. Everyone seemed delighted to read each other's signs, admiring those that were especially clever or humorous. Musicians strolled the sidewalks with guitars, a tuba and kazoos. Songs were sung, chants were chanted, and there were nearly as many American flags as people. Unfortunately, a lone assailant fired a pellet gun and struck six people toward the end of the rally. The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. Witnesses reported "a dark gray vehicle discharging projectiles toward the crowd." The Placer County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident. Victims were treated at the scene by paramedics. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. Victims included a man who was shot six times in the stomach and a 92-year-old woman who was shot in the back. Susan Varner, an Auburn resident who sustained injuries, summed up the feelings of those injured, saying, "I am angry that this hateful individual tried to intimidate us and acted so reckless, with no apparent regard for the Constitution. I remain hopeful and grateful to live in a community that recognizes our obligation to stand up for our democracy." Nick Bennett, chair of the Placer County Democratic Central Committee, stated, "All who seek a better, more caring and more just world shouldreject all acts of violence against those who engage in peaceful protest and activism." Cynthia Engen, AADC Pellet gun shootings at protest should be condemned To the Editor, On Saturday, March 28, a crowd of 1,600 peaceful and law-abiding persons of all ages (including children and the elderly) gathered at the corner of Bell Road and Highway 49 as part of the national "No Kings" protests. During the protest, a person in a passing vehicle shot six people with a pellet gun. The attacks occurred in at least two different locations. This is a serious escalation of violence directed at protesters in our town. Law enforcement needs to do everything possible to apprehend those responsible and have a protective presence at future protests. Our leaders of all political parties need to condemn these acts, which have no place in a civilized society. Carol Koons Ed Koons Auburn Auburn people made her day Way to go Auburn. On Monday, March 23, we visited the Auburn Nevada St. Post Office because my husband had to renew his passport. During the process, my husband had to call the passport main office to clarify something, so we were there about 40 minutes (no fault of the PO clerk). A small sign was visible in the main waiting area letting people know they were "short-staffed that day, thank you for your patience." I probably witnessed 100 people go through the line, and to a person (both behind the counter and in the line) everyone was patient and kind – not one angry word. It was such a great example of choosing peace during your busy day. You inspired me and tilted my hope meter toward 100 percent. Thank you and carry on! Nancy Kendrick Nevada City The greatest threat to our children "There is no greater threat than that to our children. Keeping kids safe in their local communities and beyond should always be a primary concern," wrote Placer County Supervisor Shanti Landon in her March 27 op-ed ("Working together to protect Placer County's children," Auburn Journal, March 28, page A4). Those are powerful words. But they ring hollow. Because when it mattered most, she failed to recognize a very real threat – placing a 100-bed TGI homeless shelter just steps from Glen Edwards Middle School, First Street Elementary, Lincoln High School and Creekside Oaks Elementary. Every day, hundreds of students will walk past this facility. Parents will worry. Kids will be exposed to situations they shouldn't have to navigate. This isn't abstract policy – it's our children's daily reality. What makes this even more troubling is what we've since learned. Emails show Landon was involved in shaping the language with TGI while failing to fully inform the City of Lincoln and the very community she was elected to serve. That isn't just poor judgment – it's a breach of trust. I voted for her. I believed in her. And I feel deeply let down. Our children deserve better. Our community deserves honesty, transparency and leadership that puts families first. That's why I stand with Holly Andreatta – to restore trust and protect what matters most. Angie Balderas Lincoln