Love rally outnumbers Westboro Baptist Church during protest

Westboro Church’s planned protest at East High School is met with Des Moines students and community members to rally love

Before the protest ends, a man holds a sign back at East High.

Reagan Clay, Hatte Kelley, Rachael Nash, Reporter, Editor-in-Chief, Cover Designer

With an estimated 1,000 protesters, East High School was packed with Des Moines students and community members rallying to show Westboro Baptist Church protesters that Des Moines creates love, not hate.

During the announced protest time, 12:30-1 p.m. Monday, East High School was at lunch, increasing the number of participants. At 1 p.m., East High administrators made an announcement for East students to return to class. The protesters then dispersed.

Rally attendance featured students, bikers, administrators, church advocates, families and pets. Chalk street art was scattered to voice opinions. Many were holding signs and flags or chanting things such as, “Peace and love. Love and Peace” and “L-U-V D-S-M”.

Having this being Westboro Baptist Church’s “Stomp the Flag” tour, according to their Twitter account, many brought American flags draped over their shoulders.

East High School protesters created a hashtag for social media, #EastHighStrong.

For the Oracle’s live tweets, follow @NorthHighOracle on Twitter.

More coverage to come soon. Check back at www.dmnorthmedia.com tonight and Tuesday.