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Sturgis PD: Protesters at 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally not affiliated with ANTIFA

STURGIS, S.D. — On Saturday, August 15, during one of the final days of the 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, protesters lined the middle of the first block of Main Street Sturgis to exercise their first amendment.

According to a release from the Sturgis Police Department, about seven of the protesters were from Rapid City and to their knowledge, were not affiliated with ANTIFA. The planned demonstration was made known to law enforcement by citizens who contacted authorities after seeing the event on social media.

The demonstration took place due to events such as the Rally, Days of 76′ Rodeo and Pennington County Central States Fair taking place.

The group was given guidelines by law enforcement as they attempted to exercise their first amendment rights. Law enforcement told the protesters that they must remain peaceful and not violate any state laws or city ordinances.

The demonstration started at around 4 p.m., but after about 45 minutes from the start of the protests, one demonstrator, Drew Wishon (23) of Rapid City, kicked a motorcyclist as he was passing by. Wishon was placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct and was removed from the scene.

Due to the safety of everyone involved, the demonstrators were moved from the area and were no longer allowed to demonstrate. The protesters were escorted from the area and left Sturgis.