Approximately thirty people gathered at the intersection of 10th and Cuming between 5 and 7pm Tuesday, June 6, 2006. President Bush drove along Abbott Drive into Omaha from the Eppley Airfield shortly before 7pm. He will speak a the Juan Diego center in South Omaha tomorrow, regarding immigration reform.
The crowd waved and held signs up to passing traffic and police. Signs included “Drop Bush, Not Bombs” “No Person can be ‘illegal’” “Nadie puede ser illegal” and an american flag with a peace sign in place of stars, among others. The gathering was put together on short notice by the UNO Student Democrats. The crowd appeared to be mostly white, with a wide rage of ages, but mostly college-age. Most of the signs were in English.
People milled about and chatted as they waited for the motorcade. Others lined Cuming street, waving to cars and cheering as they honked. Traffic moved fast, but the stoplight at 10th street allowed some motorists to have a closer look. Reaction from drivers ranged from peace signs and smiles to scowls and looks of confusion.
The Omaha media had a large presence – reporters from Channel 3 and the Associated Press were present with, among others. A reporter from Channel 7 turned up just as the crowd was leaving.
Police presence was visible but not overbearing. 10th street was closed at noon, and nearby parking lots were closed as well. Two mounted officers were present on the opposite side of Cuming; they crossed the street to stand between the rally and the road as the motorcade approached. Officers on foot and in patrol cars were present in small numbers; more officers arrived as the motorcade approached.
The crowd remained on the brick corner of 10th and Cuming. The sidewalks along Cuming and along 10th street are owned by the city, but are considered the private property of the Qwest center, according to one of the event organizers.
As the motorcade drove past, one participant began call and response chants that were enthusiastically picked up by the rest of the crowd. Energy picked up as the motorcycles and black automobiles sped past along Cuming street. The crowd originally expected the motorcade to turn at 10th and Cuming; instead it continued along Cuming, driving past the group, but on the other side of the street.
President Bush will speak at the Catholic Charities’ Juan Diego Center, 5211 S. 31st St., at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.