Rioters at the January 6 insurrection committed over 1,000 assaults on police officers. As many members of the deadly mob now face justice, Trump says they are being "persecuted so unfairly."
A "Justice for J6 rally" planned for Saturday, September 18th aims to protest the charges faced by over 600 known federal defendants. Organized by Matt Braynard, an employee of the 2016 Trump campaign, the event has attracted the attention of the former president.
Mr. Trump put out a statement from his office on Thursday, with no mention of the rally, but saying, "Our hearts and minds are with the people being persecuted so unfairly relating to the January 6th protest concerning the Rigged Presidential Election." He added: "JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!"
The latest report, titled "Prospects for Violence at 'Justice for J6' Rally in Washington, D.C.," warns of possible violence both by participants in the rally and by counterprotesters.
The New York Times
The Department of Homeland Security is taking extensive precautions— like bringing back the Capitol fence— even though it expects only 700 people to show up. The turnout may be even smaller, though. NBC News reports that far-right online forums are discouraging protesters from attending the event, warning that it may be a trap from federal law enforcement.
"A Telegram channel for the pro-Trump extremist gang The Proud Boys announced last week, "We (Proud Boys) ARE NOT going to this," suggesting it was a trap.
Prominent QAnon influencer L. Lin Wood echoed similar sentiments Monday.
"I think a large rally in D.C. this weekend is a BAD idea," he wrote."
NBC News
