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reFreedom of speech and Antifa rallies were held in the nation's capital as police and protesters sought to avoid such violence at similar rallies in Portland, Oregon a week ago.
Hundreds of policemen blocked the streets with police cars, gates and dump trucks, with the police having promised to contain any potential violence.
Members of the Right Proud Boys and Left Antifa said that they were not planning to incite instigation but that they would defend themselves if they were attacked.
"We will not start anything, but touch one of us and we have the right to defend ourselves and others," said Rob Romeo, a 56-year-old participant at the rally. right.
[FOLLOW LIVE: Proud Boys and Antifa descend on DC]
The early morning fireworks were contained in a mere war of words with about 200 right-wing protesters and 40 antifa members in black suits.
Fifty-year-old Daryle Jenkins went from the antifa gathering at Pershing Park to the free speech gathering on the street at Freedom Plaza.
At the rally on the right in Washington. Protestant Antifa, Daryle, left, is engaged in a debate with supporters of Trump and Proud Boys on freedom of expression and socialism. Most of the disagreements were on both sides, claiming that their side was not as extreme as the one on the other side. pic.twitter.com/OyWcGhj31K
– John Gage (@johnrobertgage)
July 6, 2019
Several members of the Proud Boys, who opposed censorship on social media, engaged Jenkins in a heated debate over the merits of the burning of the flag and the support of Communism by the antifa, but the two parties condemned the use of violence.
Dozens of protesters on both sides shouted insults and waved flags across the street while policemen ensured nothing could cross the gates.
The DC protests followed violent rallies in Portland where Antifa members assaulted journalist Andy Ngo. The protesters used milkshakes, eggs and punches during dueling demonstrations that were criticized for their lack of police reaction.
In California, as both groups are holding field events in the National Park Service, the US police are taking the lead, supported by the police.
The US parks police said at the Washington Examiner they were "absolutely" ready to handle the clashes between the groups. "It's not new to us or MPD. These things tend to always migrate to the control center, so we are very aware of this kind of situation, "the information officer of the US Police Reserve, Sergeant Sgt. Eduardo Delgado said. "Our goal is for everyone to be safe, happy, demonstrate and then go home."
This is a story in development. Come back for updates.
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