Topline
The rally in support of Capitol riot defendants that was held in front the U.S. Capitol on Sat. proved to be a failure. Although 700 people showed up, two House candidates said that they considered the event a success.
Officers observe as protestors gather for the "Justice for J6” rally in Washington DC on September 18th, 2021 in support of the pro Trump rioters who seized the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Washington was alerted for the rally, with security forces more prepared to prevent another attack on Capitol Hill. The US Capitol police denied any indication that there was a plot to attack the Capitol, but they warned in a press conference that there were "some threats of violence" and that a counter-rally would be held nearby. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images
The Key Facts
According to the Capitol Police, between 400-450 people were within the perimeter of the police station at the protest. However, a large portion of the crowd consisted of journalists and cameramen. There was little violence thanks to the large inter-agency security presence at the Capitol. According to Capitol Police, four people were arrested for possessing a knife, one for possessing a firearm, and two for outstanding warrants. Matthew Braynard organized the rally. He claims that those who were arrested in connection with the attack on Capitol 6 January are political prisoners. Braynard also urged people to show respect for police officers and media. This was met with mixed reactions from the crowd. Braynard and the other speakers said that they were there only to support nonviolent Capitol Riot defendants. However, there were sometimes chants for Ashlibabbitt who was killed trying to break into the House chamber. Two Republican U.S. House Candidates, Joe Kent of Washington, and Mike Collins from Georgia spoke to the crowd and assured Forbes that their presence would not cause them any political harm. Kent has been supported by ex-President Donald Trump in his bid for Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler's (R.Wash.), reelection bid. When asked if Herrera Beutlers campaign would use his presence to attack him, Kent said that he hoped they did.
Big Number
55%. This is the percentage of Trump voters who voted in a YouGov/CBS News poll that surveyed 2,238 adults in the United States. Only 25% of the respondents said they were happy with the way the rioters entered the Capitol.
Surprising Fact
Trump said that the rally was a set-up in an interview with The Federalist, but he also released a statement condemning the treatment of Capitol Riot defendants on the same day. Collins and Kent did not seem to mind their disagreement with Trump. Collins stated that today was a huge success. We were able get our message across loud and clear, it was peaceful.
Tangent
Kent expressed disappointment that no lawmakers attended the event. This suggests that McCarthy, the House Minority Leader, was involved. Kent stated that he would not support McCarthy as leader, and told Forbes that he would rather have Jim Jordan or Jim Banks. We can also go all-out disruption with Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene or [Paul] Gosar.
