Protests at Northern Lakes

[Bonnie Garbrecht]

Despite the bad weather last Saturday, my husband and I drove to Baldwin to bear witness to folks visiting those incarcerated there that somebody cares about their loved ones. There were about thirty of us including Jamie, a candidate for the US congress, and things were peaceful UNTIL something unexpected happened.

An outside agitator showed up wearing a red Charley Kirk shirt, who began harassing us by getting as close as possible and shouting obscenely, calling us homos and pedifiles, and taking pictures on his cell phone. A man named Gabriel (I’ll call him our guardian angel), immediately started walking close to him repeating the phrase, “Do not engage. He just wants to rile you up.” Unfortunately a couple of the young protesters couldn’t stop themselves from taking the bait and shouting obscenities back at him. He also walked up and down taking pictures of our license plates. Eventually a car drove up to pick him up.

I’m writing to forewarn you. Please continue to peacefully protest. It is vitally important that we do so, but go prepared to keep the temperature down. Gabriel is right — we must not engage when people clearly bent on creating chaos show up and get in our faces.

Bonnie Garbrecht
Sent from my iPhone

[Eric Lampinen]

I would suggest if something like that happens again that 911 be called to get the Sheriff to respond. I have worked with both him & his undersheriff & trust that they will appropriately respond.

Eric Lampinen
3109 Orchard Hwy
Manistee, MI 49660
231-690-5542
Vote your heart, not your hate.
   

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[Bill Ward]

Sorry to hear about the trouble maker. I have tried to make it my policy to not aggravate the disturbed. These types are trying to provoke and any response other than ignoring them escalates the situation.

Bill Ward

[Pamela Tompke]

Thank you, Bonnie for your and Allen’s service to humanity. Sorry to hear of the unfortunate incident with someone probably embroiled in a cult. 

[wi...@jackpine.com]

Down here is St Augustine, Fla - group was protesting peacefully, had permit to do so- a person who attempted to disrupt was removed by the National Park Service Staff as opposite messages are not allowed in same area. Person was referred to another area for negative message.
Mary Becker-Witt

On Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:34:35 +0000 (UTC)
"'Bill Ward' via Manistee Dems" wrote:
> Sorry to hear about the trouble maker. I have tried to make it my policy to not aggravate the disturbed. These types are trying to provoke and any response other than ignoring them escalates the situation.
> Bill Ward

> On Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:10:20 AM EST, Bonnie Garbrecht wrote:
>
> Despite the bad weather last Saturday, my husband and I drove to Baldwin to bear witness to folks visiting those incarcerated there that somebody cares about their loved ones. There were about thirty of us including Jamie, a candidate for the US congress, and things were peaceful UNTIL something unexpected happened.
>
> An outside agitator showed up wearing a red Charley Kirk shirt, who began harassing us by getting as close as possible and shouting obscenely, calling us homos and pedifiles, and taking pictures on his cell phone. A man named Gabriel (I’ll call him our guardian angel), immediately started walking close to him repeating the phrase, “Do not engage. He just wants to rile you up.” Unfortunately a couple of the young protesters couldn’t stop themselves from taking the bait and shouting obscenities back at him. He also walked up and down taking pictures of our license plates. Eventually a car drove up to pick him up.
>
> I’m writing to forewarn you. Please continue to peacefully protest. It is vitally important that we do so, but go prepared to keep the temperature down. Gabriel is right — we must not engage when people clearly bent on creating chaos show up and get in our faces.
>
> Bonnie Garbrecht
> Sent from my iPhone
>
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> To Email the Group: manist...@googlegroups.com
>
> Website http://www.manisteecountydemocrats.us
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>
>
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> To Email the Group: manist...@googlegroups.com
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