17 Sep 2021 | 07:49 PM UTC
US: Organizers plan protest outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, Sept. 18; violence possible /update 1
Activists to demonstrate outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, Sept. 18; counter-demonstration at Freedom Plaza. Clashes possible.
Event
Activists affiliated with the organization Look Ahead America intend to hold a protest outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, Sept. 18. The purpose of the demonstration is to support individuals arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 storming of the US Capitol. Protesters plan to gather at Union Square along 3rd Street SW from 12:00.
Organizers requested a permit for up to 700 people to attend the rally, but a larger turnout is possible. Authorities have installed a temporary fence around the US Capitol to protect the building. A large security deployment around the area is highly likely from Sept. 17 and clashes between demonstrators and police are possible; US Capitol Police and the Department of Homeland Security have warned the event could turn violent. Some individuals planning to attend the event have reportedly made threats online. Localized transport disruptions are likely around the demonstration site.
A counter-protest has been planned at Freedom Plaza, located along Pennsylvania Avenue NW, starting at 12:00. Demonstrators from both rallies are unlikely to meet, but clashes between rival participants cannot be ruled out.
Context
The rally, called "Justice for J6," is likely to be the biggest demonstration in the vicinity of the US Capitol since the events of Jan. 6, when hundreds of people broke into the US Capitol building while members of Congress were gathered to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Hundreds of people, mostly security personnel, were injured in the unrest, and five people died.
Following Jan. 6, the area around the US Capitol was protected by fencing and thousands of security personnel ahead of the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration. A fence remained around the US Capitol until July.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations. Strictly heed instructions from authorities. Allow additional time to reach your destination if operating in Washington, DC, Sept. 18.
