(KFOR) MOORE, Okla. – Hundreds of Moore residents lined Broadway across from Central Junior High Sunday afternoon.
They were ready and waiting for members of the notorious Westboro Baptist Church.
Members of that church have long contended that God hates homosexuality and America’s tolerance of homosexuality.
They also claim that he sends disasters as punishment.
Church members had a permit to picket in front of the school, which has been housing Plaza Towers Elementary students since last year’s deadly tornado.
According to the Westboro website, they contend that God sent that tornado as retribution against Moore.
Amanda Eccles said, “It’s just sickening. You know, it’s just innocent kids that lost lives and it’s sickening for them to even think that way.”
Kristy Hensley said, “They’re judging us because they think that, you know, we deserve what we got you know. But you know, their judgement day will come.”
Westboro’s permit to picket was for half an hour.
They had been there a mere eight minutes when several people took matters into their own hands.
Some Moore residents crossed the picket line to go after Westboro members.
Dan Eccles said, “I was afraid of a riot really. I didn’t know how long Westboro would stay, which they were smart to leave.”
Police were able to hold back the Moore residents while the Westboro bunch rushed to pack their signs in their cars and leave.
Dan Eccles said, “They shagged tail, got in them cars and was leaving in a hurry. Oh yeah, they was gone!”
“I thought it was hilarious. I mean I really did. We sat there and laughed the whole time,” said Tina Johnson. “They were running, yeah.”
A community united in recovery found another common cause Sunday afternoon.
Amanda Eccles said, “I think it’s just impressive how Moore comes together as a family and stands for their town.”
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