By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
TROY – Residents seeking a dog license or wanting to pay their tax bill in this “quaint New England town” of about 2,000 people found Town Hall was closed “due to threats of violence” on Monday.
After its Police Chief Dave Ellis was reported to have attended a pro-Trump rally last Wednesday in Washington, D.C., as a private citizen on his own time, a firestorm of anger has erupted in this self-described “unspoiled” community nestled at the base of beautiful Mount Monadnock in southwestern New Hampshire. The following notice was posted on the town’s website:
“Due to threats of violence against the Selectmen’s Office and Town Hall employees, access to the Town Hall will be limited to appointments only.
If you have an existing appointment please call the Department and confirm it. We will be open normal hours however the doors will be locked for the time being. Sorry, but this seems to be required by prudence at this time.”
The town’s website indicates that all town business must now be conducted by appointment only or online because of the threats.
Ellis’ decision to join the pro-Trump gathering has elicited angry posts on social media urging the Select Board to terminate him.
Dick Thackston, chair of the Troy Select Board, which next meets Jan. 21, told the media that Ellis is quarantining right now because he left New England to attend the rally and needs to protect others from potential exposure to COVID-19 virus.
Thackston said Ellis wasn’t wearing a uniform, wasn’t representing the town, and had discussed his plans with town officials prior to his travel to Washington, D.C.
Throngs of people attending the rally proceeded to the Capitol after President Trump spoke, telling them they were “going to the Capitol.”
Many broke through police lines and attempted a coup after Congress had begun certifying the votes of the November presidential election.