Jan. 6 protests multiply as Trump continues to call supporters to Washington

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Local

Jan. 6 protests multiply as Trump continues to call supporters to Washington

By Marissa J. Lang
Dec. 30, 2020 at 7:35 p.m. EST

Protests planned in support of President Trump on Jan. 6 are multiplying by the week. ... Four seemingly competing rallies to demand that Congress overturn the results of the presidential election, which their participants falsely view as illegitimate, are scheduled on the day Congress is set to convene to certify electoral college votes, declaring President-elect Joe Biden the winner.

The events will be headlined by Trump’s most ardent supporters, including recently pardoned George Papadopoulos, a foreign policy adviser to Trump’s 2016 campaign who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during its Russia investigation, and longtime ally Roger Stone, whose sentence for seeking to impede a congressional probe into Russian election interference was commuted by Trump in July before being upgraded to a full pardon.

Formal rallies are planned most of the day and will draw pro-Trump demonstrators to the Washington Monument, Freedom Plaza and the Capitol. But online forums and encrypted chat messages among far-right groups indicate a number of demonstrators might be planning more than chanting and waving signs.

Threats of violence, ploys to smuggle guns into the District and calls to set up an “armed encampment” on the Mall have proliferated in online chats about the Jan. 6 day of protest. The Proud Boys, members of armed right-wing groups, conspiracy theorists and white supremacists have pledged to attend.

{snip}

Marissa Lang
Marissa J. Lang is a local reporter covering the D.C. metro area. Follow https://twitter.com/Marissa_Jae

[Thekaspervote]

1. Please please STAY away. Ppl are going to get hurt. Let them fight among themselves

[Bradshaw3]

4. Exactly

We don't need antifa groups or counter demonstrators who think they are "fighting" for democracy adding to the chaos. Let the thugs show themselves for what they are, and let the authorities (those who aren't on their side anyway) handle it.

[David__77]

8. I understand the perspective.

I do think that there a lot of productive things that people can do to obstruct the fascists, including by calling hotels in the area to demand that they close during that time because there are many people openly calling for assault and violence. There are probably other things that could be done as well, including contacting public officials.

At the same time, I also support those who will take other measures including closely monitoring/surveilling the situation. It will be important to get information so that appropriate action can be taken later if nothing else. I think that the police should be able to keep groups apart - it is true that they will need to do a much better job than they did previously.

[RKP5637]

2. It will be filled with idiots. As tRump continues to try to overthrow the country! n/t

[Iliyah]

3. Stay safe D.C. ...

these people are extremely violent, rude and down right ugly.

[David__77]

9. The internet chatter is over the top.

Openly discussing mass murder. It concerns me that there's not more action from hotels/businesses indicating that they will close to help mitigate this. I'm hopeful that to the extent possible, local government (DC, Arlington, etc.) will take actions to protect people from fascists.

[Paper Roses]

5. I wish President Biden would have the swearing in ceremony somewhere else.

Perhaps in the halls of the Supreme court, or maybe the Senate office Building.
Avoid the idiots who will disrupt the whole ceremony.
Those of us who support Biden/Harris would understand.

I fear tRump and his crowd of fanatics.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

11. Why should the incoming administration move? NT

[RKP5637]

6. Fucken Incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Threats of violence, ploys to smuggle guns into the District and calls to set up an “armed encampment” on the Mall have proliferated in online chats about the Jan. 6 day of protest. The Proud Boys, members of armed right-wing groups, conspiracy theorists and white supremacists have pledged to attend."

[3Hotdogs]

7. Is Georgie P gonna bring the coffee?

Mine's dark, no sugar.

[Midnight Writer]

10. Watch out for agitators.

It would be easy to light a spark among these fools. I hope no one does.

[Squinch]

12. No one should counterprotest this one. Just stay home.