More than 1,000 people holding “thin blue line” and American flags packed Eisenhower Park in Long Island, New York, on Saturday for a Back the Blue rally.
The rally, which was sponsored by the nonprofit organization Law Enforcement Officers Weekend, drew crowds from police departments and members of the community across Long Island and New York City. Many showed up in support of President Donald Trump.
Nassau County Police Benevolent Association President James McDermott, the police union leader spoke about the strong relationship between the police and the community.
“We don’t have these problems here in Nassau County,” McDermott said. “We have tremendous relationships in all communities, including the minority communities, and they trust us and we worked on that. We fostered these relationships.”
“Back the Blue” demonstrations have gotten support in other areas. More than 1,000 people gathered in Wantagh, New York, to express their support for the police earlier this month, Patch.com reported.
A counter-protest was also held at the park. Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said that police were committed to making sure everyone can exercise their freedom of speech.
Ryder said the group applied for a permit but did not get one, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s mandate includes not having gatherings over 50 people, according to Long Island News News 12.