Protesters Claim Victory Over Holder Cancellation In OK

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder canceled a speech in Oklahoma City Thursday amid a planned protest surrounding his visit. Holder called off his remarks at the police academy graduation just a few hours before the ceremony began in downtown Oklahoma City.

There were still protesters on the streets, but the hundreds of people expected did not show. The roughly 20 people who protested believe they made an impact.

"[Holder] is afraid to face the people of Oklahoma City," protest organizer Bob Dani said.

Throughout the morning, conservative politics and free speech were on display. Inside the church where the graduation took place, city officials honored 42 new officers. Federal Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange was Holder's backup speaker. She took the opportunity to not only offer words of wisdom -- but to lighten the mood.

"We have to keep levity in things," said Miles-LaGrange. "[Police] invited me … uninvited me and re-invited me."

The planned protest was fueled out of frustration over many things including what's called "Fast and Furious" and the IRS scandal. The ceremony was uninterrupted from the rally outside.

A spokesperson for Holder had not provided comment to News 9 as of late Thursday. Holder's office told the Tulsa World he was delayed in leaving Washington D.C., forcing him to miss the ceremony. Holder was still expected to arrive in Oklahoma City Thursday on other business.