Nearly 1,000 people gathered in Santa Cruz, California on Saturday in Santa Cruz, California, in a Pride Month protest for President Donald Trump.
Participants formed a giant human flag that spelled “Resistance!” Rainbow colours as part of a demonstration hosted by the inseparable Santa Cruz County.
The 220-foot wide display, with the letters reaching 70 feet tall, was designed by long-time left-wing activist Brad Newsham.
Organizers described the event as a show of peaceful acts of resistance and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
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Left: The protesters hold signs that read “peace”, “love” and “freedom.” Right: Beach fans gather near coastal homes along the cliffs of Santa Cruz, California’s main beach. The area was a site of massive protests against President Donald Trump, organized as part of a celebration of the city’s pride. (istock and Getty Images)
“It’s very important, more people [who] Event organizer Becca Mohler can see through Santa Cruz and show our neighbors, the world’s politicians, that non-violent resistance is a way to express our dissatisfaction with our country’s path.
But just above the colorful banner there was a very different kind of message: “86 47”, many phrases were interpreted as a call to “get rid of” the 47th president of the United States.
In slang, “86” usually means cancelling, eliminating, or destroying. In combination with the “47,” which is linked to President Trump’s second term, the phrase sparked vigilance among critics who say it crossed the line.
Earlier this month, former FBI chief James Comey posted a similar message to the sand, but instead of kelp, they were shells. He has since deleted the post after extensive criticism and action by law enforcement.
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On June 22, 2024, a house with a house on a cliff in the background of Santa Cruz, California enjoys a sunny day along the coastline.
“We don’t need a king. We want to return to our appearance. We want to be kind to America again,” protester Beth Basilius said, looking for Santa Cruz.
The event promoted “kindness” and inclusiveness, but the image gave a more contradictory story.
“They insist once again on making America ‘kind’, but then they spell out ’86 47′ in the sand. It’s not kind — it’s a coded call to eliminate those they don’t agree with,” said Mike Rellue, chairman of Fox News Digital’s Santa Cruz County Republican.
Lelieur said local conservatives are facing growing hostility from the political left.
“We had destroyed vehicles, slashed tires, broken windows. I was kicked out of the road and attacked just for having a Trump sticker. With our cutting edge watch party, we were flocking to angry protesters.
Aerial view of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on sunny days, various entertainment rides and beach fans, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, California, June 22, 2024 (Smith Collection/Gad/Getty Images)
Just 8.5% of Santa Cruz voters are registered Republicans, according to the latest data from the California Secretary of State.
Despite the message written in the sand, some participants argued that the demonstration was rooted in compassion.
“We want to return to what we are. We want to be kind to America again,” protester Beth Basilius said, looking through Santa Cruz.
Protesters argued that “86 47” was a symbolic rejection of Trump’s agenda and not a literal threat. However, critics say the debate will remain flat in political situations where coded languages have real-world consequences.
“In California, especially in Santa Cruz County, the left creates a political environment of non-acceptance and persecution,” said Daniel Enriquez, president of the California Republican Congress. “It is consistent with the goals of the socialist movement throughout history.”
Jenny Evans, an indivisible Santa Cruz County co-leader, defended the event.
“It’s one more thing to show that when a lot of people come out to do something like this, we’re not all saying, ‘I’m fine and fine. We’ll go with what you want.'”
The event was also part of Santa Cruz’s 50th Pride Celebration. Participants were instructed to dress in rainbow colors adjusted with fabric laid out across the beach from 7am
The protest was peaceful, but critics sent other messages asking for kindness while displaying “86 47”.
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The inseparable Santa Cruz County did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Jasmine is a writer for Fox News Digital and is a New Orleans-based military spouse. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com
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