A few hundred people participated in a march held under heavy security in Washington on Saturday in support of protesters loyal to former President Donald Trump who breached the Capitol on January 6. The police, caught off guard by the deadly Capitol breach earlier this year, implemented a security fence around the Capitol complex and deployed officers equipped to prevent riots and lines of armored vehicles.
The organizers of the "Justice for J6" march obtained a permit to gather 700 people near the Capitol, but the actual turnout on Saturday was much lower. The organizers from the group "Look Ahead America" emphasized that they aim to draw attention to individuals who were arrested in connection with the January 6 riots despite not having committed acts of violence.
Demonstrators chanted "Free them" while delivering speeches condemning what they described as the Biden administration's arrest of "political prisoners." David Thacker, 63, from Virginia, stated, "Their rights are being violated. Their crimes do not justify the treatment they are receiving."
No members of Congress were inside the building on Saturday, as the gathering took place under the watch of riot police wearing protective gear. Many lawmakers are still on summer recess and will not return until next week. "Look Ahead America" plans to organize similar gatherings across the country in the coming weeks and urged participants to respect law enforcement and refrain from bringing signs referencing Trump.
During the Saturday march, some carried signs reading "Free Biden's Political Prisoners" and "Justice for Ashli Babbitt," a woman shot by police on January 6 while attempting to breach the House of Representatives. The Capitol Police reported there were between 400 to 450 people in the area where the demonstration took place, but this number includes many journalists there to cover the event.
Thousands of Trump supporters, some linked to far-right nationalists and groups advocating white supremacy, stormed the Capitol eight months ago in an attempt to overturn the election won by Biden. Charges have been filed against around 600 individuals, including at least 185 accused of assaulting or resisting law enforcement or staff, while over 70 people have been charged with destruction or theft of government property.
Officials report that the group attacked 140 law enforcement officers, and damage to the Capitol has been estimated at about $1.5 million. Four people were arrested on Saturday near the Capitol, including two who were charged with weapon-related offenses. The Capitol Police indicated that they separated the supporters from counter-protesters, and no significant incidents were reported.
