Sugarcreek Ohio: Activists Return to the Turner House.
Once again, activists have returned to the residence of Brock Turner, the Stanford rapist who despite his heinous crime, served only 3 months in jail. I spoke to our editor in chief and Brock Turner protest organizer, Jaimes Campbell on location. Campbell, who has been organizing these protests for the past few months said "I'm out here today mainly because the activists out in California are still keeping the pressure on this case. There is a petition currently going around to have the judge removed who gave him this laughable sentence. And since this is in our back yard, I feel it is our job to make sure Brock Turner can't just come back to this quaint neighborhood and live his life as though nothing had happened." He continued "It's not only him. His mother was so upset that she couldn't redecorate their new house and his father was more worried about his son's Olympic chances at beating Michael Phelps' record than the fact that his son brutally raped and beat a woman. They clearly failed as parents and the fact that they stood up for their son and tried to excuse his actions away speaks to their character."
When asked about the open carry at the protests, Jaimes said "I look at open carrying, especially in regards to the Brock Turner case as a militant feminist stance. In all 50 states, it is perfectly legal to use deadly force in order to stop a rape." I also spoke to another activist who wished to remain anonymous, about why she decided to be there today. She told me "I came out today as a female due to the fact that there are several younger white men not being convicted for rape and sexual crimes in the United States. It's very common in the news and now we have a president who supports sexual assault. I am very concerned as a female and even fear for my life." I asked her what she thought about the open carry. She told me "I think it's great. Everyone should know their rights and when they can defend themselves."
One thing is for certain. People have not forgotten what Brock Turner did and the general consensus is that even though the justice system failed in this case, concerned members of the community will not. Daniel Hardin who has been at several such protests, said he was there because "He (Brock Turner) still hasn't been served justice. We're here to let him know that people are armed and ready to act if he tries anything else." The Sugarcreek chief of police came out for a short time to speak with the protesters. He did not wish to give an official statement but he did say that he had no issue with them being out there and he understood the purpose of these protests. There was another officer on scene earlier in the day who declined to speak with us. We also had a French journalist on site who was filming a documentary about the case.
(Article and Photos by Mathieu C. Hubin)