U.S. Capitol police are preparing in advance for a rally scheduled Saturday by Trump supporters to support those arrested in connection with the deadly Capitol storm on Jan. 6 after law enforcement leaders were caught unawares at the time.
“Justice for J6” will be held in Union Square, on the west lawn of the Capitol, and will be commissioned by Look Ahead America, led by Matt Braynard, a former employee of former President Trump’s campaign.
Capitol police chief Thomas Manger said Monday that fences will be erected around the Capitol before the rally. Security fences were initially erected days after the Capitol rape, which occurred just after Trump held a major rally in an effort to undo his electoral defeat.
CHAPTER POLICE ARRESTS MAN WITH TRUCK KNIVES PAINTED WITH SWASTIKA NEAR DNC HEADQUARTERS IN WASHINGTON
Violent protesters, loyal to President Donald Trump, storm the Washington Capitol.
(Photo AP / John Minchillo, file)
“We are here to protect the right of the First Amendment of everyone to protest peacefully,” Manger said in a statement. “I urge anyone who is thinking of causing trouble to stay home. We will enforce the law and not tolerate violence.”
Saturday’s rally is aimed at supporting detainees in the wake of the riot and demanding justice for Ashli Babbitt, a California woman who was fatally shot by a Capitol police officer. The USCP officer who shot her will not face disciplinary action.
At least five police officers who responded to the riot have ended their lives in the following months. The USCP said over the weekend that it recommended disciplinary action in six cases following an internal review of officers’ behavior on Jan. 6.
Since then, more than 700 people have been arrested in the wake of the attack, the Justice Department said. The attack came as lawmakers certified President Biden’s election victory, thus interrupting a peaceful transfer of power. The angry crowd swarmed into the building, prompting lawmakers and officials to flee and clashed violently with police officers.
In a video, Braynard described as “political prisoners” those who were accused of their alleged actions during the deadly riot, saying they have been treated unfairly. He urged anyone planning to attend Saturday’s event to behave peacefully.
In an effort not to be caught on foot, the USCP said Monday that it issued an emergency declaration that will take effect at the start of the rally. The statement will allow Capitol police leaders to replace external police officers. In addition, the USCP has obtained additional equipment and created an incident response plan.
On February 18, the U.S. Capitol will be seen behind the razor fence around the U.S. Capitol. U.S. fencing in the area will go wrong ahead of Saturday’s “Justice for J6” rally in favor of defenders in the January 6 deadly riot at the Capitol. (Photo AP / Manuel Balce Ceneta)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
On Monday, Manger, along with gun officers from both houses of Congress, briefed lawmakers on intelligence gathered before the event, The Hill reported.
“They looked very, very well prepared, much more prepared than before January 6. I think they are ready for anything that might happen,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told DN.Y.