The far-right DC demonstrations have begun, a day early

Washington Post:

Trump supporters protesting the election begin demonstrating in D.C.

By
Marissa J. Lang, Peter Hermann, Emily Davies and Jessica Contrera
Jan. 5, 2021 at 3:07 p.m. EST


One day before Congress votes to certify that Joe Biden won the presidential election, Trump supporters who refuse to accept the reality of his defeat have begun demonstrating in Washington again. The city is bracing for 48 hours of potentially violent protests, egged on by President Trump himself.

One Wednesday gathering has a permit with the National Park Service for up to 30,000 people, but multiple events planned for Tuesday are already drawing crowds downtown. Among the masses: the far-right groups whose members were involved in stabbings and the vandalism of historic Black churches in the District during last month’s protest.

The city has mobilized the National Guard alongside its police force, which will focus on arresting anyone who is unlawfully armed. The mayor has asked residents to avoid the demonstrations, which will take place at Freedom Plaza, the Capitol and the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

***

By 2 p.m. Tuesday, hundreds of people were gathered in Freedom Plaza, listening to speakers who repeated falsehoods about the election, offered prayers and shared discount codes for MyPillow, a company owned by a Trump ally. Some donned flak jackets with walkie talkies and camouflage fanny packs strapped around their waists.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/05/dc-protest-trump-supporters-election/


And from NBC4Washington

Pro-Trump Demonstrators Converge in DC to Protest Election Results; Street Closures in Effect

By NBC Washington Staff • Published January 5, 2021

Supporters of President Donald Trump gathered for a wave of demonstrations in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, the day before Congress meets to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the Electoral College.

Trump's supporters plan to rally Tuesday and Wednesday, seeking to bolster the president's unproven claims of widespread voter fraud.

Crowds of people, many carrying Trump flags, gathered a block from the White House on Freedom Plaza early Tuesday afternoon to kick off an event that could draw thousands, organizers say.

Speakers asked the crowd to chant "fake news" while repeating unsubstantiated claims of fraud in the 2020 election that are promoted by Trump and allies but refuted by election officials nationwide.

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/demonstrations-road-closures-to-begin-tuesday-in-dc-before-congress-acts-on-electoral-college-vote/2529480/