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I’m in downtown DC where the far-right and antifa are attending dueling rallies across the street from each other. Updates ⬇️. @WTOP #AllOutDC #DemandFreeSpeech
I don’t see a lot of movement at all between the two sides, police have a buffer zone in place on 14th Street that makes it impossible to cross over unless you walk a few blocks on F Street.
Threading my 10-second rough sketch of the situation, this’ll give you an idea of the setup here if you’re not familiar with DC.
Wholly peaceful so far between the right and left-wings. Counter-protesters are singing “only love can drive out the hate” from a stage tucked away in Pershing Park.
Tensions a little hotter, masked antifa protester just tried to snatch a MAGA hat from a Trump supporter who crossed into the #AllOutDC side.
Antifa try to rush police barricade on Penn and 12th, are pushed back. Northbound on 12th now.
Antifa protesters dressed in all black (a tactic called black bloc) holding the intersection of 12th & F, back near the #AllOutDC counter-protest.
Back at the counter-protest in Pershing Park, a Trump supporter gets surrounded and chased out to applause.
No fights I’ve seen, but there have been a few of these encounters, and each one could be a flashpoint.
No fights I’ve seen, but there have been a few of these encounters, and each one could be a flashpoint.
Police step in as somebody else is briefly surrounded on the counter-protesting side.
The #DemandFreeSpeech rally has ended a little early. People are leaving pretty quickly but not before being told there’s an after-party tonight “at an undisclosed location.”
The #AllOutDC counter-protest, meanwhile, has also thinned out somewhat but it’s still going, local organizers leading a few chants.
A woman with a Trump T-shirt is trying to do some kind of broadcast, but she’s been surrounded and drowned out by LGBT counter-protesters with rainbow fans.
Tensions are rising again between antifa, DC police and a few remaining Trump supporters.
I saw one anifa protester fall to the ground and an argument with cops ensued. Some protesters working to de-escalate.
I saw one anifa protester fall to the ground and an argument with cops ensued. Some protesters working to de-escalate.
Photos of the #AllOutDC counter-protest, briefly blocking a DC police vehicle earlier. 
Every time protesters rush to confront somebody on the right, it’s a wall of sound, you can never hear what’s actually being argued - which I guess is the point.
14th Street reopened both ways and it’s starting to rain, this is winding down. Will stick around a bit longer.
.@DMVBlackLives protesters are accusing police of defending white supremacists and disproportionately targeting communities in SE DC.
Counter-protest calling on whoever is left to help pack and clean up Pershing Park. I’m checking out for now. Will post more photos soon.
Four photos showing the counter-protest’s main strategy: Surrounding and vocally overpowering any of their far-right opponents who ventured near #AllOutDC.
There were a few heated moments in which bottles were thrown, but Portland-level chaos was averted.
There were a few heated moments in which bottles were thrown, but Portland-level chaos was averted.
Today’s riskiest moment came when a black bloc left Pershing Park and ran at a police cordon behind the main stage. Newspaper stands were dragged onto 12th Street.
Brief occupation of 14th & F. No arrests that I’m aware of.
Brief occupation of 14th & F. No arrests that I’m aware of.
#Breaking: One antifa protester arrested outside the Trump Hotel on Penn. Ave. Antifa tried to confront Trump supporters heading into the #DefendFreeSpeech after party.
This isn’t over yet! Antifa taunting far-right across a police line near the Trump Hotel. Tense, it’s the first arrest of the day to my knowledge.
A dabbing Pepe spotted on the right-wing side. DC having a totally normal one today.
Man with a MAGA hat somehow worked his way to the antifa side. He’s escorted through by police.
Insane thunderstorm and antifa/Proud Boys STILL arguing outside Harry’s bar. I seriously just saw a cop gesture for a timeout.
Police holding the line across the street from Harry’s in this freak tropical downpour. Almost everybody’s gone home, I’m just waiting this out.
.@FordFischer and I got tired of waiting so we ran for the Metro. Witness EXTREME journalism at its finest.
And that’s a wrap. I’m gonna go dry off and pray that the rain cover on my camera bag worked. ✌️
And that’s a wrap. I’m gonna go dry off and pray that the rain cover on my camera bag worked. ✌️
