Columbia, SC - July 11, 2020: The group Flags Across The South rose the Confederate flag on the South Carolina State House Grounds for the 5th anniversary of its removal in 2015 by then governor Nikki Haley following the Charleston Massacre.
The attendance of the flag raising event was abysmal sporting a total of six people at its peak. During the first half of the event there was a total of four individuals standing in solidarity with the flag raising.
Anti confederacy protesters greatly outnumbered those in attendance of the flag raising event and unapologetically heckled confederacy supporters throughout the entirety of the event. A display of a Hanging Klansman ironically provoked the only dialogue between the two groups of the day with Robert Gibson (Pro Confed Flag) coming over to the edge of the barricades and photographing the display. When asked by anti-flag protesters why he was laughing and taking pictures he responded with "We don't like the Klan either" before returning back to his tint.
African American officers working on duty at the SC State House also found themselves as targets of criticism as they escorted an attendee of the flag raising event inside of the barricade and later on to his truck.
I have covered this event every year since the flag's removal in 2015. The numbers of those in attendance in support of the Confederate flag is dwindling. I personally would not be surprised if this was the last year that this event happens. I guess we'll see next year. Until next year.
