The Buddhist Monks Walk for Peace came through West Columbia and Lexington County. (Photos from Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Columbia Police Department)

The monks stopped in Lexington overnight, Friday. On Saturday, the monks traveled through West Columbia and spoke before a large crowd at the South Carolina State House in Columbia

The monks began their walk in Fort Worth, Texas, on Oct. 26 and will end it in Washington. Buddhism’s has a tradition of activism.

The group made its way through City of West Columbia, to a scheduled event at the Statehouse, Saturday.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department was in constant communication with the Lexington County Fire Service, Lexington County EMS, West Columbia Police, and other local public safety agencies across the area to ensure a seamless and immediate response should the need arise as the monks pass through the county.

The Walk for Peace monks’ crossed the Gervais Street Bridge into Columbia. The Gervais Street Bridge was closed as the monks walked across. It was reopened to vehicle traffic after they crossed.

From the Lexington County Police Department stated: “It has been our privilege and pleasure to welcome the monks as guests and work with our neighboring public safety agencies to keep them safe during their walk and stops.”