Small Group Gathers Outside Gov. Sununu's House In Newfields

Exeter NH

10 January, 2021

7:50 PM

Description

NEWFIELDS, NH — A small group of peaceful protestors gathered outside of Governor Sununu's house in Newfields on Sunday. The group, Absolute Defiance NH, posted on Facebook that the gathering would be held at Newfields Town Hall. In the post they said: "Prayers for Freedom" gathering at Newfields Town Hall, Sunday at 2 p.m. This is a 1A promotional exercise and advocacy event." The group stated, "All religions, philosophies, and secular belief systems are welcome to come to share their strength and wisdom." The group of three men and two women first met at the parking lot of Town Hall and then went to the governor's House. Four New Hampshire State Troopers and one person from Newfields Police Department stood in the driveway next to cruisers before the group arrived, with an additional six cruisers parked across the street. When the group arrived at the governor's house, four additional Troopers were seen on the side of the house adjacent to a path where the group walked to the house. When asked if they were affiliated with, they said Absolute Defiance. The members of the group said they were all from New Hampshire. The members spoke about different topics and then joined in what appeared to be a short prayer. On Dec. 13, 2020, a group of protestors from various groups gathered holding signs and shouting messages in the direction of the governor's house. After several protests and gatherings outside the governor's house, the town of Newfields proposed and passed a new ordinance prohibiting protesting outside of houses. The ACLU and other groups have called the new ordinance unconstitutional. At about 3 p.m., the group left the governor's house and walked back to Newfields Town Hall. No disturbances or arrests occurred.