Reflections on the Continuing Weekend Protests and Riots
Saturday’s “No Kings” marches and protests are being called the largest single-day protest event during Trump’s second term. According to multiple media reports, the event mobilized five million protestors, which, if true, would surpass the three million that turned out for the 05 April “Hands Off” day of protest. I am naturally skeptical of these numbers, because some event organizers claimed to have mobilized five million protesters back in April. That was obviously inflated, and it’s possible Saturday’s mobilization numbers are inflated, too. Anecdotally, I’ve seen first-hand reports of large turnouts in small towns and anemic turnout in places where you’d expect to see larger protests. In short, there are lots of mixed messages.
Most events over the weekend remained peaceful, although one victim was shot in Salt Lake City, UT – allegedly by a leftist gunman – and one man was arrested for driving his vehicle through a protest in Virginia. Most of the violence occurred after the No Kings protests had ended. Here’s the direct action we saw over the weekend:
Los Angeles, CA: Police ordered a mob to disperse after militants began throwing “rocks, bricks, [and] bottles” in addition to launching "commercial grade fireworks" at law enforcement on Saturday afternoon. Militants also vandalized a Hilton Hotel.
Denver, CO: Police made 36 arrests for failure to disperse, obstruction and throwing projectiles.
Atlanta, GA: Police made at least eight arrests during an alleged attempt to block traffic on I-285.
"The laws... may be legal, but we, the people, have a duty to challenge unjust laws and work to change them by protesting and speaking out for what we believe is right.” - Zach Norton of Act Now to Stop War and End Racism.
Portland, OR: Four police officers were injured when rioters in black bloc attempted to breach the ICE facility and allegedly set it on fire. Authorities declared the gathering unlawful around 6:30pm, and reported that the mob had turned violent by 8pm. Law enforcement later secured the building. Police made at least three arrests for assault.
“Portland rioters are violently targeting federal law enforcement and we won’t sit idly by and watch these cowards. These rioters have launched fireworks, smoke grenades, and thrown rocks at federal law enforcement. A mob broke glass and forcibly entered the ICE facility. Thankfully, federal law enforcement was able to secure the facility. 4 officers were injured during the attack.” - Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
Seattle, WA: Militants started a fire outside a federal building in downtown Seattle. In a separate incident, militants also built a blockade and attacked a DHS facility in nearby Tukwila, WA. Journalist Andy Ngo pointed out the large disparity in the level of violence exhibited over the weekend and how local news outlets downplayed the violence in their reporting.
Assessment: