Open carry rally held in Americus over 2020 election transparency

AMERICUS, Ga. (WALB) - Some people in Sumter County want more transparency from the 2020 elections.

They showed their frustration during a peaceful protest this past weekend and are gearing up for another one in Americus on Sunday.

They called the rally a celebration of the Second Amendment and a peaceful protest against the lack of transparency in the 2020 election and ballot counting.

Americus Attorney McCall Calhoun organized the rally.

“The whole point of it is we’re not going to tolerate an election with no transparency,” said Calhoun. "it was put together on less than 24 hours notice.”

The rally happened Sunday afternoon in the Sumter County Courthouse parking lot and kicked off with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance and Calhoun said “everybody’s welcome."

Calhoun said around 80 people showed up on Sunday but not all were in support of Calhoun’s cause.

“I know we got some protesters, counter-protesters here, but I want to speak to them directly because their community is where these laws get enforced first,” said Calhoun.

The protest also touched on H.R. 5717. This bill would make changes to the framework of the sale, transfer and possession of firearms and ammunition.

The bill is currently sitting on the House floor.

“There’s so much bad stuff in that bill I can’t even get into it all,” Calhoun said.

Some people at the protest did have handguns on their side and even brought their AR-15s to the event, according to Calhoun.

“It’s an open carry rally," explained Calhoun.

Americus Police Chief Mark Scott attended the event as an observer. He said no one broke the law and no issues were reported.

Calhoun hopes this, and other voices, are heard to get the transparency they are looking for.

“This is all about preserving our First and Second Amendment rights,” said Calhoun.

Calhoun said another peaceful protest will be held this Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Sumter County Courthouse.

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