Authorities have been anticipating widespread unrest and protests in the District of Columbia. In particular, the ‘far-right’ Proud Boys group have been active in the area since Monday.
The Proud Boys’ leader Enrique Tarrio was arrested by Washington D.C. police on Monday, citing the controversial leader for destruction of property and weapons possession charges. Tarrio made bail on Tuesday and was ordered by a judge to leave Washington D.C. immediately and told to never return.
At the time of this report, the Capitol building’s stairsteps are packed with Trump supporters and Capitol police bedecked with Trump and American flags. Police efforts to establish a strong perimeter around the Capitol have been mixed with barricades successfully blocking protestors on the West side of the Capitol.
In response to the protests, Trump issued a Tweet urging voters to support the Washington D.C. police.
Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Critics have begun to decry Trump’s rhetoric during a speech made earlier on Wednesday demanding VP Pence to “come through” for us. Trump also commented, “We will never concede.”
