Protesters Nationwide Take To Streets To Call For Protection Of Russia Investigation
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Protesters have converged in cities nationwide to call for the protection of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Russia and President Donald Trump's campaign.
Several hundred demonstrators gathered Thursday in New York's Times Square and Union Square, and chanted slogans including "Hands off Mueller" and "Nobody's above the law" before marching downtown. They held signs saying "Truth Must Triumph" and "Repeal, Replace Trump."
Free speech: the sounds of a protest in support of Mueller fill #TimesSquare - #NYC's town square where free expression has always been part of the landscape. Thanks also to #NYPD for quick response to help with safety & crowd flow. pic.twitter.com/g8DVwxC89j
— Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) November 8, 2018
Similar protests were held across the Tri-State area, from Long Island to Westchester County to New Jersey.
Participated in my first protest today because #NoOneIsAboveTheLaw. Great discussions and great support from people driving by. Won't be my last. #ProtectMueller pic.twitter.com/Bg1hN5omnH
— Geoffrey Sorensen ???? masked and boosted ???????????? (@GSorensen) November 9, 2018
Hundreds gathered at the emergency #NoOneIsAboveTheLaw protest in White Plains, NY this evening to #ProtectMueller because #TrumpIsNotAboveTheLaw pic.twitter.com/TbMNyGW1gU
— Seth Schori (@SethSchori) November 9, 2018
"Sleepy suburbia"is now a hotbed of anti-Trump activism. On Tuesday here in NJ, at least 10 of 12 GOP house candidates lost. And this video is from tonight in Westfield, NJ at 5 PM, when hundreds gathered to protest Trump's clear attempt to weaken Mueller. #ProtectMueller pic.twitter.com/gWIAovdPPe
— Steve Gorelick (@sgorelick) November 9, 2018
From the #ProtectMueller rally in front of New Brunswick City Hall.
— For New Brunswick, New Jersey NJ (@4NewBrunswick) November 9, 2018
This is what drmocracy looks like. pic.twitter.com/IDwPEuuOsP
In Nassau county. Nice turnout. #ProtectMuellerNOW. Mueller protest. #trump is not above the law. #Whitaker must recuse. pic.twitter.com/247ZUr215d
— Snark4u (@Jmylessmiles) November 8, 2018
Crowds also turned out in Chicago; Greensboro, North Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee, and many other places. Organizers say the naming of acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is a "deliberate attempt to obstruct the special counsel's investigation."
Trump asked for Jeff Sessions' resignation and then replaced him with Whitaker, his chief of staff, who in the past has criticized Mueller's probe.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is under consideration to permanently succeed Sessions as attorney general, sources tell CBS News.
Also being considered is former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani – who is currently working pro bono as President Donald Trump's personal attorney.
Outgoing Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Attorney General William Barr, who served in the role under President George H. W. Bush, are also under consideration, CBS News reported.
The list of contenders is expected to grow in coming days.
Christie competed against Trump for the Republican nomination for president in 2016. He went on to become a staunch supporter, ultimately running Trump's transition team.
Prior to becoming governor, Christie was a U.S. Attorney in New Jersey from 2002-2008.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)