After only a handful of white supremacists showed up at a planned “Unite the Right 2” rally in Washington, D.C., Antifa, which showed up as part of a counter-protest, was left to antagonize other individuals, including cops, media, and Trump supporters who had the misfortune to wander past their demonstration.
According to USA Today’s political reporter on the scene, Antifa went after just about anyone who crossed their path — an unfortunate situation for a woman and a man wearing pro-Trump t-shirts as they meandered through downtown Washington, D.C. (they do not appear to have been part of the Unite the Right rally).
A man and woman who were wearing Trump 2020 shirts and walking away from the #UniteTheRight2 rally, had water and some other chemical thrown on them. Counterprotesters followed them for blocks pic.twitter.com/SEI9r4h6vj
— Christal Hayes (@Journo_Christal) August 12, 2018
Eventually, the pair had to run to the police for protection.
The man and woman wearing Trump shirts finally got to police. Counterprotesters pulled their hair, threw things at them and poured water on their heads. They’re now being escorted out of the area by police. #UniteTheRight2 pic.twitter.com/s3286TzPdg
— Christal Hayes (@Journo_Christal) August 12, 2018
Antifa, which revealed Saturday that they are now targeting all police officers in their campaign against “fascism,” also surrounded and harassed D.C. law enforcement officers.
Whoa. This @DCPoliceDept officer was nearly mobbed by a group of counterprotesters at #UniteTheRight2. People were throwing things at him, shoving him and kicking his motorcycle. Looks like another cop was also in the mix, too. pic.twitter.com/IHoc5dvebW
— Christal Hayes (@Journo_Christal) August 12, 2018
A fairly large crowd of counterprotesters are gathered near the White House. “Fuck you” this person keeps yelling at officers. Many are angry at officers here for protecting the white nationalists and keeping the crowds separated. pic.twitter.com/jLYk4iiGz9
— Christal Hayes (@Journo_Christal) August 12, 2018
Eventually, Antifa got into a confrontation with Secret Service near the White House. Since the Secret Service doesn’t play around, they were quickly dispersed, but not before delivering a message of violence to the president’s doorstep.
Antifa moving down 17th St
“It takes bullet to bash fash” pic.twitter.com/tytfjTFajX
— Tim Mak (@timkmak) August 12, 2018
Others threatened to “punch Nazis” and harm the president.
Fortunately, D.C. police were able to contain the crowd and there were no incidents of violence like there were on Saturday, when several NBC reporters were accosted and hurt as they covered an Antifa rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.