WASHINGTON — Left-wing counterprotesters moved in during a pro-Trump “Million MAGA March” in Washington, Saturday, leading to scattered confrontations and violence as police tried to keep opposing groups separated.
They turned out in opposition to pro-Trump groups rallying to protest the results of the election, which show a Joe Biden victory. The president himself even visited the demonstration with his motorcade, Law Officer reported.
Earlier in the day, the march was peaceful, even described as festive by those in attendance. But as the sun went down, snippets of scenes shared on Twitter showed chaos had overtaken in areas of the nation’s capital, Fox News reported.
Anti-Trump demonstrators reportedly threw eggs at Trump supporters. They were also accused of stealing signs, banners and hats, and lighting them on fire. Moreover, videos show them shouting at families, sucker-punching people in the street and even harassing an elderly couple carrying a Trump flag.
As a result, local law enforcement official said they’ve made at least 10 arrests – at least three of which involved assaults – but a total count wasn’t expected until Sunday morning. They closed off streets and part of Washington’s downtown, already home to boarded up stores and offices.
WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE AND VIOLENCE
BLM groups threaten elderly couple and attempts to steal their Trump Flag #MillionMAGAMarch pic.twitter.com/1kIYO2mg4e
— Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) November 14, 2020
In some places, police physically stood between groups of Trump supporters and counterprotesters, said to be linked to Antifa and Black Lives Matter, to keep them separated. In others, chaos broke out as mobs heckled and in some cases attacked Trump supporters – including some walking with children.
Numerous videos on Twitter showed shouting matches and violence on streets and sidewalks.
BREAKING – Multiple Trump supporters assaulted by pro-BLM supporters in Washington D.C. One of the supporters assaulted was brutally knocked out. The scene is chaotic right now #MillionMAGAMarch pic.twitter.com/2Gjl8WC8Z0
— Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) November 14, 2020
One showed an altercation escalate with a mob of alleged “BLM-Antifa thugs” swarming and punching a man from behind in an intersection. Moments earlier, he attacked someone holding a megaphone. He shoved people away until someone carrying a “Trump/Pence Out Now!” sign finally knocked him out with a sucker punch. When he rose a few moments later, there appeared to be a gash on his face and a lot of blood.
He reportedly was taken to police after the video ended.
chaos as a trump supporter’s flag is ripped out of her hands as she’s forced out while being threatened #MAGAMarchDC #Trump2020 #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/exXL64s2dT
— eric thomas (@justericthomas) November 14, 2020
Another showed a group of purported Antifa members burning a flag near Black Lives Matter Plaza, just north of the White House, Fox reported.
A group of Antifa members burn an American flag near Black Lives Matter Plaza. pic.twitter.com/xi2cXyPefJ
— Victoria Sanchez (@VictoriaSanchez) November 14, 2020
And yet another showed what appeared to be fireworks going off in the outdoor seating area of a restaurant with a crowd of onlookers just a few feet away.
BREAKING pic.twitter.com/SBcu0JVtms
— Victoria Sanchez (@VictoriaSanchez) November 14, 2020
Police rushed to intervene outside a Washington hotel after counterprotesters appeared to try to follow a group of Trump supporters home. Video of that incident shows officers forming a line, batons in hand, and ordering the mob to “move back” from the hotel’s entryway.
Chaotic scene as protesters tried following some Trump supporters into their hotel, prompting a large police response #DCProtests #MarchForTrump #DC pic.twitter.com/7ghEOwyBjV
— Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) November 14, 2020
Police used pepper spray on protesters and force the line back up 16th St. pic.twitter.com/m6BP3HB6Dg
— Matthew Miller (@mattmiller757) November 14, 2020
A National Park Service permit for the rally was issued for up to 10,000 people, the New York Post reported, although several thousand more appeared to show up.
