Hundreds rally in support of those jailed in Jan. 6 protest
Demonstrators gather for the “Justice for J6” rally in Washington, D.C., on September 18, 2021, in support of the pro-Trump protest at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. (PEDRO UGARTE / AFP)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 9:45 AM PT – Sunday, September 19, 2021
Hundreds of law enforcement and protesters gathered for the “Justice for J6” rally at the U.S. Capitol. Several hundred demonstrators gathered outside of the nation’s Capitol to support those jailed for taking part in the Jan. 6 protest.
Speaking to the crowd Saturday, organizer of the event Matt Braynard said it was about the many protesters who have not been charged with violence, haven’t been accused of assaulting a police officer or destroying property and the “disparate treatment they’ve received.” He added “this is all about equal treatment under the law.”
More than 600 people have been arrested in the months following the protest and more than 50 have pleaded guilty to a variety of federal charges. Supporters showed frustration towards the treatment of the “political prisoners,” saying it’s inhumane and political prosecution.
It’s banana republic regimes that hold political prisoners without due process. #JusticeforJ6 ???????? pic.twitter.com/ZtuBoPUSaY
— Joe Kent for WA-3 (@joekent16jan19) September 18, 2021
Supporters were heavily outnumbered by law enforcement as Capitol Police brought hundreds of officers into Washington, D.C. in order to prevent any possible violence. However, demonstrators emphasized keeping the peace and condemned the violence seen on Jan. 6.
“The overall message is that we condemn violence. That’s not America. We need to make sure that we do a peaceful voice to be heard. Not a protest that is in violence. We condemn that. So, the resounding message that we’re trying to bring is that we can go out, have our voices be heard, and not have to do it violently,” said Jeff Zink, candidate for Congress in Arizona.
While the crowd was less than expected, the Look Ahead America organization previously estimated about 700 people would attend.