Protests against Nazi violence, in support of Charlottesville victims held across US
By
Isaac Finn
14 August 2017
One day after the Nazi rampage in Charlottesville, Virginia—which left one dead and 19 injured—thousands of people participated in protests and vigils throughout the US to oppose fascist violence. Similar demonstrations are planned this week.
In Seattle, Washington, protests were held in opposition to a far-right demonstration that was scheduled to take place in Westlake Park. Joey Gibson—who is associated with the Oregon-based group Patriot Prayer—organized the so-called “Freedom Rally.” In the past, Gibson, a Trump supporter, has compared Islam with the Ku Klux Klan. He also organized two protests in Seattle earlier this year that resulted in fighting between anti-fascist groups and Patriot Prayer members.
While the counter-protest yesterday was predominantly peaceful, Seattle police took advantage of minor skirmishes to retaliate against left-wing protesters. This included police in full SWAT body armor using tear gas against protesters.
Police also tweeted pictures of alleged weapons used by left-wing protesters and carried out several arrests. As of Sunday night, police had not disclosed how many people were arrested.
The counter-protest in Seattle, with about 1,000 people, was roughly five times the size of the right-wing demonstration.
The protests elsewhere in the US were mostly called by Democratic Party-affiliated organizations, but attracted a broader layer. Those attending expressed their solidarity with the victims in Charlottesville and voiced their opposition to the Trump administration.
Many expressed hostility to the entire political establishment.
Rick, who attended a vigil in Ferndale,…