BONNERS FERRY — A “No Kings” rally and counter-protest were held Saturday, Oct. 18, on the Kootenai River Bridge in Bonners Ferry. The event was peaceful, as both protesters and a small group of counterprotesters exercised their right to demonstrate.  

Starting at 10 a.m., about 50 protesters waved signs on the bridge, frequently receiving honks in support.  

Roughly 10 counterprotesters gathered around a gazebo next to the bridge, where both American and “Make America Great Again” flags were displayed. They used a loudspeaker to play music and talk to the protesters.  

Organizers said there were roughly 2,700 demonstrations across the country, with an estimated seven million people taking part. 

There did not appear to be any direct confrontations between the two groups. However, both sides engaged with reporters and respected each other’s ability to peacefully demonstrate.  

Don Jordan, a Bonners Ferry resident, said he was a registered Republican but needed to come out to protest. 

“I think we can make better choices for who we have as leaders,” he said.  

Guy Patchen, a counterprotester, offered a stark opinion when asked why he thought the protesters were protesting. 

“Most of them are indoctrinated college idiots,” he said. “They’re about as un-American as it gets.” 

One woman quoted the political philosopher Edmund Burke to explain her motivation for being at the rally. 

“All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing,” she said. “I think that’s the reason so many of us are here. We just want to do something.”

Jo Len Everhart said she attended the rally because she was concerned by President Donald Trump’s policies, including his handling of immigrants.  

“We’re losing all of our rights,” she said. “Look at what’s happening. They have masked people, ICE people, rounding up anybody of color.” 

Christie Patchen, whose daughter joked she was at the rally to “make sure my dad hasn’t shot anyone,” didn’t believe anyone should be protesting.  

“He has done more for our country than any president ever,” she said. “For them to say that he’s trying to be king is obnoxious to me.” 

Another counterprotester, who was in charge of the audio, criticized the protestors, saying they were defending undocumented immigrants with criminal records. 

“These guys are protesting against taking out pedophiles, taking out people who have trafficked women,” he said. 

Following the event, one counterprotester stated that many in the community chose to hunt instead of going to the counter protest. 

The nearest “No Kings” rally to Bonners Ferry was held in Sandpoint, where organizers said more than 800 people attended. 

    Counter protesters gather at the gazebo next to the bridge