Shreveport stood divided outside The Strand Theatre Saturday (July 12). One side was there to protest NFL player Michael Vick's comedy show, the other urged forgiveness for the convicted animal abuser.

Protesters held up signs with slogans written on them. Some had gruesome pictures of abused animals. Only one sign was spotted at the Forgiveness Rally across the street. It said "Forgive James, 5:15" on one side, and "All have sinned Roman 3:23" on the other.

At least one person attending the show was dismissive of the protest, telling KEEL News "these people don't have anything better to do with their time."

Several comics scheduled to perform during the Michael Vick Comedy Explosion took the protest as a chance for a photo op, taking selfies in front of the crowd while cracking jokes about it.

Comedian Robert Powell from Monroe, Louisiana was especially vocal about the protest.

"It's not right what they're doing to Mike; Mike don't deserve that," Powell said. "That s--- happened in 2006, 2007 -- it's time to let it go."

Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover also appeared and spoke to both sides of the debate. No incidents were reported by Shreveport police.

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