SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Edited News Release/KY3) – Deputies arrested six protesters for trespassing after conducting a sit-in at the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
On Aug. 26, 2026, several individuals entered the main lobby of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and said they were conducting a sit-in protest. They remained in the lobby for several hours without incident and were allowed to stay during normal business hours, when the area is open to the public.
After business hours, the lobby becomes a secure area closed to the public. Investigators say deputies issued multiple verbal warnings directing the individuals to leave or face arrest. When they refused, all six protesters were arrested for trespassing.
Sheriff’s statement
“As Sheriff, I am responsible for maintaining law and order while protecting the First Amendment right to peacefully assemble,” Sheriff Jason Johnson said. “I am equally responsible for enforcing state law. In this case, we allowed peaceful protest until it became unlawful, and then we enforced the law.”…