- Law enforcement in DC was on high alert for a rally planned in support of the
January 6 defendants. - The rally drew smaller than expected crowds, despite Trump voicing his support for the defendants.
- Police, many in riot gear, outnumbered rallygoers, according to AP.
Heightened fears surrounding the "Justice for J6" rally held in Washington DC on Saturday turned out to be largely unwarranted, as the event failed to draw significant crowds.
The event was held in support of defendants charged with "nonviolent offenses" in the January 6 insurrection at the
The rally $4, prompting police to place $4 earlier this week. A $4 official said they expected about 700 people to show up for the rally.
Former President
"Our hearts and minds are with the people being persecuted so unfairly relating to the January 6th protest concerning the Rigged Presidential Election. In addition to everything else, it has proven conclusively that we are a two-tiered system of justice. In the end, however, JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!" he said.
But according to various reports, turnout was less than expected.
-The New York Times (@nytimes) $4
$4 reported that law enforcement on the scene, many in riot gear, easily outnumbered the rallygoers. Capitol Police $4 they arrested at least four people, including one man with a handgun.
Speakers at the rally included candidates for elected office. AP reported false claims were shared about the integrity of the 2020 election and about the violence on January 6.
One of the speakers was the girlfriend of Capitol riot defendant Jonathan Mellis, who was captured on video attacking police officers with a stick on January 6, according to AP.
Matt Braynard, the event's organizer and a former Trump campaign staffer, called the rally a success on $4 and thanked law enforcement who were there.
"Good energy, good message, everybody home safe. Mission accomplished," he wrote.
No GOP lawmakers attended the event, including those who have been $4 $4 in $4 of the January 6 defendants.