Here at the Ohio Statehouse, where various groups are gathering for protests. I'll be posting updates throughout the afternoon. 
Security today ----> BLM rally during the summer.
Clock strikes noon, which is the time this was believed to 'start' today.' Pictured is the extent of the crowd. Ohio mobilized members of the National Guard to assist state patrol with security today.
Staying pretty calm so far.
Staying pretty calm so far.
Bullhorn argument between two people led the armed protesters to leave the Statehouse steps to stand beside a seated counterprotester with a trans flag.
A few arm bumped the seated person and are now yelling back at the standing man shouting conspiracy theories.
A few arm bumped the seated person and are now yelling back at the standing man shouting conspiracy theories.
Biden supporter stands alone on the Statehouse grounds behind protesters.
"U.S. Boojahideen" -- Boogaloo Boys present here at Ohio Statehouse
"We're here to bring unity," armed protester tells a reporter.
No notable conflict to this point. Armed groups just milling about, chatting with reporters, observers, even counterproteters.
The gathering is staying away from the Statehouse steps.
No notable conflict to this point. Armed groups just milling about, chatting with reporters, observers, even counterproteters.
The gathering is staying away from the Statehouse steps.
Basically the only activity going on is a single person shouting about being an Alex Jones supporter & the election being stolen.
Otherwise....subdued vibes on a chilly afternoon.
Otherwise....subdued vibes on a chilly afternoon.
One thing I notice today: I haven't seen a single Trump hat, sign, shirt, chant, whatsoever today. No MAGA at all here
Even the one guy shouting conspiracy theories mentioned numerous times hating Trump (for supporting vaccines)
Even the one guy shouting conspiracy theories mentioned numerous times hating Trump (for supporting vaccines)
A man in a MAGA hat is here. @OhioCapJournal is trying to interview him & a number of counterprotesters are intervening and shouting
They're crowding a reporter. This is the only targeted anger I've seen from counterprotesters today. Against a reporter & MAGA guy
They're crowding a reporter. This is the only targeted anger I've seen from counterprotesters today. Against a reporter & MAGA guy
Snow picking up. Crowd has thinned out.
Calling it an afternoon. Maybe 5-10 protesters here left, and maybe a dozen other remaining BLM + counterprotesters + observers
Almost no drama today. Hard to know if weather & planned show of force played a role in low protest turnout.
Almost no drama today. Hard to know if weather & planned show of force played a role in low protest turnout.
"I'm going seven times around," a woman blowing a shofar tells me as her vehicle circles the Statehouse
Just drove by the Statehouse on my way out of downtown. Everyone has left. Only law enforcement still there.
Just 30 mins earlier a protester who flew in from out of state for this said they might stay all day. Evidently the cold gave them other ideas.
Just 30 mins earlier a protester who flew in from out of state for this said they might stay all day. Evidently the cold gave them other ideas.
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