Several far-right groups plan to hold a rally in Washington D.C. on the heels of President Donald Trump’s massive July 4 celebration, and there’s a definite chance it may turn into another Charlottesville.
This is because Luke Rohfling, leader of the Proud Boys, an extremist alt-Right group has organized the “Rally for Free Speech,” scheduled to be held July 6 at Washington, D.C.’s Freedom Plaza. The Proud Boys are notably violent, and the event is intended as a show against antifascist protesters. But there’s an even more sinister reason for this rally, The Daily Beast reports. It’s a response to a violent clash between antifascist and alt-Right protesters that left right-wing writer Andy Ngo with injuries.
Several Proud Boy members will be in attendance. Other alt-right activists will also appear. Among them: Milo Yiannopoulos, anti-Muslim protester Laura Loomer, internet scam artist Jacob Wohl, and Jack Posobiec of “Pizzagate” notoriety. All of whom have been banned from numerous social media platforms, Raw Story reports.
Rohfling denies the rally will turn violent, but he’s claiming antifascists plan to attack with acid. That’s based on an unverified post on Telegram. And some right-wing commenters are urging those attending the rally to bring weapons.
“We are expecting a lot of Trump supporters and especially battle-ready Trump supporters,” notes Jesse Sparks,” who’s organizing the counter-protest “All Out D.C.” as a response.
The right-wing extremist rally is purportedly a response to social media platforms that have booted Loomer and Wohl. While an earlier so-called freedom of speech rally in San Francisco last May fizzled out, this rally may have a huge following due to the swelling numbers of Trump supporters who will likely attend Trump’s over-hyped July 4 event.
“A lot of people will be in town for the Trumpstravaganza,” Rohfling says, in reference to Trump’s July 4 “Salute to America” event.
The “salute” will include tanks and military flyovers, and Trump will be speaking at the Lincoln Memorial.
It’s probably safe to say Abraham Lincoln would spin in his grave if it were possible.
Featured image courtesy of the video above
