Dueling free speech and Antifa rallies took place in the nation’s capital as police and demonstrators sought to avoid the sort of violence that took place during similar rallies in Portland, Ore., one week ago.
Hundreds of police officers have blocked off streets with police cars, gates, and dump trucks as police have vowed to contain any potential violence.
Members of the right-wing Proud Boys and left-wing antifa said they do not plan on instigating but will fight back if attacked.
“We’re not going to start nothing, but touch one of us and we have a right to defend ourselves and others,” Rob Romeo, a 56-year-old attendee of the right-wing rally, said.
[FOLLOW LIVE: Proud Boys and Antifa descend on DC]
The fireworks from the early morning were contained to simply a war of words with about 200 right-wing protesters and 40 black-clad antifa members.
Daryle Jenkins, 50, made his way over from the antifa rally in Pershing Park to the free speech rally across the street at Freedom Plaza.
At the right-wing rally in DC. Antifa protester Daryle, on the left, engaged in debate with Trump supporters and Proud Boys on free speech and socialism. Most of the disagreement was both sides saying their side wasn’t as extreme as the other side portrayed them. pic.twitter.com/OyWcGhj31K
— John Gage (@johnrobertgage) July 6, 2019
Several members of the Proud Boys, which were rallying against censorship on social media, engaged Jenkins in vigorous debate over the merits of flag burning and whether antifa supported communism, but both sides condemned the use of violence.
Dozens of protesters from both sides shouted insults and waved flags from across the street while police officers made sure no would could cross through any of the barriers.
A trans woman flips off a gay Trump supporter at the #DemandFreeSpeech rally. pic.twitter.com/qti7UjDsFR
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) July 6, 2019
The D.C. demonstrations follows violent rallies in Portland where Antifa members assaulted journalist Andy Ngo. Protesters used milkshakes, eggs, and punches in dueling demonstrations that was criticized for not having an adequate police response.
In D.C., because the two groups are holding demonstrations on National Park Service grounds, the U.S. Park Police is taking the lead, supported by D.C. police.
U.S. Park Police told the Washington Examiner they were “absolutely” ready to handle any clashes between the groups. “This isn’t new for us or for MPD. These things tend to always migrate to D.C., so we’re very familiar with these kinds of situations,” U.S. Park Police information officer Sgt. Eduardo Delgado said. “Our goal is for everyone to be safe, to be happy, to do their demonstrations, and then go home.”
