Back out at BLM Plaza as a mix of tourists, Trump supporters and protesters mill around on this hot July 4.
The tents police cleared from H St earlier today have reappeared just feet away. Debates are breaking out, but it’s a calm atmosphere. Trump is expected to speak in 2 hrs.
The tents police cleared from H St earlier today have reappeared just feet away. Debates are breaking out, but it’s a calm atmosphere. Trump is expected to speak in 2 hrs.
Most of the interactions b/w the different sides here have been debates — like this one when Refuse Fascism activists told folks to walk on the US flag, saying it‘s a symbol of “slavery, genocide and war.” A Trump supporter asked why they need to step on the flag to make a point. 
Trump’s Salute to America airshow has begun. From where I’m standing at Black Lives Matter Plaza, the response has been that of mild interest to outright distain. As Air Force 1 flew overhead, several protesters raised middle fingers and shouted down the plane. “Fuck you, Trump!”
Music and speakers pouring forth from a makeshift DJ booth set up here in #BlackLivesMatter Plaza by @thegoodproject_ has completely drowned out Trump’s #July4th festivities on the other side of the White House. The crowd is into it. A group has begun to do the cha-cha slide. #DC
Activists from Refuse Fascism set up a flag burning — by lighting a series of small American flags aflame — but another group (those responsible for the DJ booth) began to push and shout, snatching flags away. An onlooker yelled: “Don’t you tell someone how to f—ing protest!” #DC
A small group of protesters at #BlackLivesMatter Plaza are singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (aka the Black National Anthem) as fireworks from Trump’s Salute to America boom overhead. A hush has fallen over the plaza as families lift their children high to see the explosions.
As the night wound down, a small group of white men stomped through Black Lives Matter Plaza and one among them shouted, “White power!” BLM protesters gathered and chased them out of the area. A few snatched a hat off one of their heads as they walked off. Later, they burned it.
Dozens plan to remain at BLM Plaza all night. Right after I took this video, a large group of police gathered and told the group to clear H Street. They did, believing it may spare them an overnight raid. Tents were moved onto 16th, but demonstrators say they’re not leaving. #DC
