Organizer of Saturday’s rally in DC downplays concerns of violence as officials increase security

by

Matt Braynard’s comments come as law enforcement officers in DC prepare for possible clashes and riots during the rally, according to an internal note from U.S. Capitol Police reviewed by CNN. The event, called “Justice for J6,” aims to support the insurgents accused of the U.S. Capitol Uprising on January 6, which turned deadly after Capitol police temporarily lost the control of the building during the pro-Trump siege.

The rally is planned by Look Ahead America, a non-profit organization led by Braynard, a former member of the Trump campaign.

“We have a largely peaceful crowd. So far we’ve had two events in Washington, DC – in the Justice Department and in prison – and so far there have been no incidents,” Braynard told CNN in an interview.

“No one will carry any weapon that is part of our crowd, I can assure the police,” he added.

Despite Braynard’s comments, police officers are preparing for the worst. U.S. Capitol police have called for help from the DC National Guard and CNN has learned that DC police will be fully activated on Saturday for additional coverage.
Here’s everything we know about the September 18 right-wing rally in DC
Capitol Police intelligence report on the event notes that online talks in support of the rally began to escalate after the officer who fatally shot riot police Ashli ​​Babbitt was made public with his identity in a recent interview with Lester Holt of the American network.

There has been a sharp rise in violent rhetoric surrounding the event and there has been heated debate over Babbitt’s shooting on social media and discussion boards, according to the note. The document warns that many people may also see Saturday as a “Justice for Ashli ​​Babbitt” rally, which may be a cause for concern, and that it is not irrational to plan violent altercations.

There have been additional discussions about the violence associated with the event, with an online chat suggesting violence against Jewish centers and liberal churches, while law enforcement is distracted that day.

Pressed by CNN on whether it is discouraging extremists from coming to the rally, Braynard said: “Our message is that when people come they don’t carry any labels and they come strictly to defend the justice of political prisoners. January “, in reference to the people who were arrested in connection with the riot.

About 500 people have indicated they plan to attend, though the note notes that recent events hosted by Look Ahead America were significantly lower than expected and were peaceful.

CNN’s Paul LeBlanc contributed to this report.

.Source