By John Herrik
Network Indiana
CARMEL — Protesters interrupted the inauguration ceremony for Carmel Mayor Sue Finkham on Thursday.
The ceremony at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel was interrupted as U.S. Sen. Todd Young introduced Finkham.
The protesters were calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and supporting Palestinians.
Young was telling a story about broadcaster Sage Steele who attended Carmel High School and graduated from there in 1990 when the group interrupted him. At first, he was quiet, but then he pumped his fist toward the podium and yelled, “Carmel! Carmel! Carmel!” as the protests continued.
Eventually the group was escorted out by police officers.
“Did I mention that Carmel has great police officers?” said Young as he was waving his arms upward to encourage applause.
Meanwhile, Jewish Voice for Peace-Indiana and the Middle Eastern Students Association at IUPUI will gather at Monument Circle in Indianapolis for a rally for ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on Monday at 8 a.m. That group also wants an end to all US military help to Israel.
As for Sue Finkham’s tenure as mayor, she says crime prevention and public safety will be her top priority. Finkham also wants collaboration from the community to be a big part of what she does.
“We will create avenues for community engagement where diverse voices are heard and valued. We will have a city where every resident feels secure, informed, and contributes to our shared success,” said Finkham.
