A protestor carrying a U.S. flag passes police officers who are standing in formation at a rally to support defendants in the attack on the U.S. Capitol, January 6, in Washington, D.C., U.S., Sept 18, 2021.
Washington was crowded with demonstrators who gathered to support those arrested in the deadly pro-Trump rebellion of Jan. 6.
The rally was called Justice for J6 by organizers, referring to the date that supporters of Donald Trump stormed Congress in an effort to stop the certification of 2020 election results.
Protestors were met with heavy presence from local, state, and federal law enforcement. Members of the media outnumbered event attendees.
According to U.S. Capitol Police's social media, there were a few arrests made Saturday during a peaceful demonstration. According to police, the arrests were for weapons violation, possession and probation violations.
Robert Contee, Chief of Washington Metropolitan Police, stated to NBC News that the crowd was "about the expected" and that the increased police presence might have discouraged attendance.
In preparation for Saturday, police increased security at the Capitol by erecting fencing around the Capitol grounds and Supreme Court, Library of Congress, as well as other congressional office buildings.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Friday that 100 National Guard troops were available to protect the Capitol.
