Rally in support of police also draws counter protesters


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SALT LAKE CITY — In the wake of controversial police shootings in Utah and across the nation, after weeks of vigils, protests and marches alleging police brutality, one West Jordan man decided he'd seen, and heard enough.

Dennis Marchant organized his own event.

"I am just a local guy who watches the news like everybody else," he said. "Having seen so much anti law enforcement throughout the country, and with the assassination of those two New York officers, I decided it is time the silent majority is heard, because our voices are not being heard."

On Friday, in the midst of the holiday season and in the cold December afternoon, Marchant grabbed a blue bull horn and urged those attending the rally in front of the Salt Lake City County Building to shout their support for law enforcement.

"The silent majority will finally be heard," he said. "Bring your friends, tell your neighbors."

His call drew dozens of law enforcement supporters to the site. But it also grabbed the attention of others angry with what they say is law enforcement violence.

They staged their own nearby rally, carrying one sign that stated, "I can't breathe" invoking the words of Eric Garner, the New York man who died after police used a choke hold to put him on the ground, sparking outcry when no charges were filed against police who were involved.

Marchant is not a police officer and is not related to any people who are. He described himself as a real estate agent long overdue for retirement and as a man who simply grew tired of all the law enforcement bashing going on in the country.


Having seen so much anti law enforcement throughout the country, and with the assassination of those two New York officers, I decided it is time the silent majority is heard, because our voices are not being heard.

–Dennis Marchant


"I didn't think the majority was being heard — on this issue or on any issue for that matter. Until it affects us directly, we just stay in the background."

Marchant put his message out on Facebook and urged people to attend the Friday event, and dozens showed up.

One woman bore a sign that said, "Police don't shoot to kill. They shoot to stay alive."

Another supporter held a sign noting that 114 law enforcement officers had been slain in the line of duty.

Jeanette Giron, from Seattle, was visiting family in Utah for the holidays and decided to show her support.

"I support law enforcement," she said, adding that her nephew is a police officer. "I agree they need to be trained well, but I don't like to jump to judgment."

The rally was not without tension.

The counter protest of about dozen people tried to shout down Marchant's crowd, chanting and holding signs of their own.

Marchant was not bothered by the group.

"It does not surprise me at all," he said. "I respect their right to be here as well. This is America."

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes was among those who turned out for the rally in support of law enforcement.

"I had some friends who mentioned this was going on," Reyes said, "And I always like to express my support for law enforcement. I have a number of people who work in my office who are law enforcement investigators and they are an important and integral part of our family."

Email: amyjoi@deseretnews.com Twitter: amyjoi16

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