Rally Against Vaccines and for Guns Mixes Rod of Iron Ministries and Moms
A large crowd that mixed protesters against Covid-19 vaccines with supporters of the right to have assault rifles gathered noisily in Milford last Saturday, according to Hope Abrams, a local resident. When she took photos and videos of the demonstration against Covid-19 vaccines, she identified people wearing emblems of the survivalist Rod of Iron Ministries, known for sanctifying AR15 rifles, led by Sean Moon, whom Abrams also noticed at the demonstration. They recently held their annual Rod of Iron Festival at Kahr Arms, in Blooming Grove, an AR15 vendor owned by Moon’s brother Justin. Some demonstrators carried Second Amendment flags. Abrams also saw Anastasia Theodoropoulos, whom she recognized as a Gold Key Estates board member and vocal participant at Delaware Valley school board meetings, she said.
“They had a PA system, and one young man led chants such as, ‘Covid is fake. No vaccine. Stop the vaccine. God is great,’” said Abrams. “A parade of trucks and motorcycles came into town and parked around the courthouse. They'd periodically take off again and parade up and down the street in front of the courthouse and around town. People lined the sidewalks and stood on all four corners near the courthouse. There were many, many flags and signs with right wing messages. They spilled into the street , crowding the street, often the busiest intersection. It was swarming with people and vehicles and dozens, if not hundreds, of signs and flags and motorcycles and big trucks and little hot rod engines racing and revving and extra loud horns blaring and music pumping and people cheering and yelling and chanting. Loud music played from a huge portable speaker. The speaker was supplied by the owner of the giant blue Trump Train truck with all it flags. A man sang the national anthem while wearing a hat with a Confederate flag on it in front of the courthouse.”
Asked about his reaction to the demonstration, Milford Borough Mayor Sean Strub declined to comment, although he has said that, in the near future, he plans to involve faith and civic leaders in gatherings to address the community polarity that creates chronic animosity and conflict.
“I’m going to pass on commenting until this is underway. I don’t want it to be “my” initiative, as that would defeat the purpose,” he said.
Later, Facebook comments mentioned the lack of traffic control by Milford Borough police. Strub provided a police statement:
“Milford Police Department monitors these events closely and, depending on the specific circumstances and the judgement of the officer in charge, intervenes when appropriate to protect public safety and access.
“Our protocols and policies concerning enforcement actions at public events and protests at the Courthouse, and in public spaces in Milford, include consultation with the Milford Borough Council, the Pike County Commissioners, Pike County Sheriff’s Department and the Pennsylvania State Police.
“While protecting First Amendment freedoms and the constitutional right to protest, Milford Police Department is also committed to protecting public safety and the rights of all citizens.”
Community news needs community support to continue. Please consider the various Tri-State Lookout subscription levels.