Pro-Trump demonstrators, counter-protesters rally in downtown Seattle

[riversedge]

Source: seattletimes

Originally published August 13, 2017 at 12:26 pm Updated August 13, 2017 at 2:26 pm




Tae Phoenix, a singer-songwriter and activist, hands out signs as people gather for Solidarity Against Hate, a counter-protest to the Freedom Rally group, at Denny Park in Seattle Sunday August 13, 2017. (Bettina Hansen / The Seattle Times)

After a white supremacist rally turned violent Saturday in Virginia, the pro-Trump Patriot Prayer group and counter-protesters will hold opposing demonstrations in downtown Seattle Sunday.


LIVE UPDATES:

2:20 p.m. What was first billed as a anti-fascist rally at Denny Park didnt stay in one place to rally for very long; the protesters almost immediately started moving toward the pro-Trump patriot and prayer gathering at Westlake Park, just a few blocks to the northeast. Police reported stopping people carrying shields and backpacks, and police moved to cut them off. Officers spritzed several protesters with pepper spray. There were lots of people wearing black, a few in masks and helmets.

The violent clashes between white supremacists and counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Va., resulting in three deaths, will be the backdrop at a pair of rallies Sunday in Seattle one a pro-Trump Prayer Rally at Westlake Park and the other, a counterprotest sponsored by so-called anti-fascists at nearby Denny Park.

The conservative pro-Trump group known as Patriot Prayer planned to march on Westlake Park as part of a so-called Freedom Rally featuring live music and speakers.

Meantime, the Seattle Chapter of the Greater Defense Committee of the Industrial Workers of the World called for a counter-rally, saying the groups associated with the prayer ralley are the same street-fighting crews that have been hopping from Vancouver, WA to Portland, OR to Seattle, WA and back again, including last Junes anti-Sharia march that led to arrests.
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Read more: http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/pro-trump-demonstrators-counter-protesters-rally-in-downtown-seattle/

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Msnbc briefly reported on this a few minutes ago.

Link to tweet

**I do not know if this is true or not.

Link to tweet

Edit to add:

Bettina Hansen?Verified account @bettinahansen 1h1 hour ago

"Hey hey ho ho white supremacy's got to go" - Solidarity Against Hate group moving towards Westlake #Seattle – at Whole Foods Market

Link to tweet

[riversedge]

1. msnbc now--Police using tear gas ? on who

[riversedge]

2. Streets are full.

[RKP5637]

3. The fascist always seem to invoke the god word and burning things, torches/crosses.

IMO anyone pro-Trump today seems to like bigoted fascism.

[riversedge]

4. Says Protesters confronting Seattle Police--but I am confused. which group is pushing forward

[riversedge]

5. "conservative pro-Trump group known as Patriot Prayer" vs the counter-protesters

[NobodyHere]

6. MSNBC is reporting leftwing protesters are clashing with police

to try to get at the rightwing protesters.

[riversedge]

12. Yes, some reporter just said the Alt-right is being held in a park. But msnbc is showing the

counter-protesters being held back by police (think I am catching on)

[riversedge]

13. Reporter saying the Pro-trump rally is about 2 blocks away.

[RKP5637]

8. I get confused too. MSNBC is covering it now. n/t

[nolabear]

11. It's a nightmare. Legit counter protesters are infiltrated by masked "antifa" or "anarchists" or

whatever. You can see what's going on if you have FB and go to the KING5 feed.

They are doing nothing to help. They'll give that orange asshole an excuse for his "many sides" bull. They don't represent liberals, they don't represent Seattle. They seem hell bent on nothing but trouble.

[NobodyHere]

16. It's not like antifa is discouraged by "legit counter protesters"

[nolabear]

19. I really struggle to figure out who they are. They seem to want to create chaos at any big gathering

[NobodyHere]

23. Well it seems like these guys are playing a role

https://itsgoingdown.org/august-13th-seattle-solidarity-hate/

[stevil]

27. As far as I know....

These people are Black Bloc anarchists. I've always thought that was a cover for people who really just want to destroy shit and be in the middle of a riot. I think they get some kind of adrenaline rush or something. They ruin peaceful protesters and are the main reason for the strong police presence.

[The Blue Flower]

34. I can attest to this

They show up at peaceful demonstrations just to create chaos and violence. Ruin it for everyone.

[janx]

38. YES. n/t

[AntiFascist]

43. There is now a right-wing talking point that "anti-fascists are just as bad as the alt-right"...

as heard today on MSNBC, with the underlying belief that "they should be treated equally." This is very dangerous.

I think a strong, non-destructive protest is good if it can help make the alt-right feel as if the walls are closing in on them.

[kacekwl]

47. Those who want a peaceful protest had better

find a way to remove or distance themselves from the masked black hood wearing assholes who are promoting violence at these rallies . Any good will quickly disappear.

[AntiFascist]

49. Right-wing strategy is to divide us along these lines...

and I'm not just talking about the alt-right wackos.

As long as they think we can be intimidated, then their purpose is served.

[bucolic_frolic]

7. I am afraid for my country because

I fear the gauntlet has been thrown down

We must defend freedom, or these thugs will take it from us, and every time we try to peacefully defend
democracy they (are going to) show up with hatred and venom.

I fear this will be a difficult cycle to halt

[RKP5637]

10. I'm afraid too, because our president sides with the thugs, his people. n/t

[stevil]

30. More of us than them

And I will also use my 500th post to say:

FUCK NAZIS

[gopiscrap]

41. Congrats Thank you!!!

[riversedge]

9. Protesters countering Planned Alt-right rally in Seattle is the runner on msnbc

[riversedge]

14. reporter saying about 400 counter-protesters

[FarPoint]

15. Fuck the name/ group

Patriots Prayers Group for the Fucking Terrorists!

[riversedge]

17. Police blocking Solidarity Against Hate protesters from going to Westlake, getting silly string and

s Tweets, current page. Tweets & replies Media

Bettina Hansen?Verified account @bettinahansen 10m10 minutes ago

Replying to @bettinahansen

Police just started pushing back with pepper spray and flash bang grenades - now stand off and chanting again
0 replies 7 retweets 7 likes






Bettina Hansen?Verified account @bettinahansen 12m12 minutes ago

Link to tweet

Police blocking Solidarity Against Hate protesters from going to Westlake, getting silly string and glitter from protesters #Seattle – at Pike Place Market
5 replies 63 retweets 33 likes







Bettina Hansen?Verified account @bettinahansen 26m26 minutes ago

Protesters chanting "Cops and Klan - Hand in Hand!" as a man is arrested at 4th and Lenora #Seattle
4 replies 12 retweets 11 likes

Link to tweet

[janx]

39. Immature bullshit

from people with nothing else to do.

[riversedge]

18. Police are now telling solidarity Against Hate protesters to clear the area. At 2nd and Pine. #seat

umm.. these are the counter-protesters being told to scatter. I do not know---but probably do not have a permit??? just guessing



Bettina Hansen?Verified account @bettinahansen 1m1 minute ago
Replying to @bettinahansen

Police are now telling solidarity Against Hate protesters to clear the area. At 2nd and Pine. #seattle

Link to tweet

[nolabear]

21. 2nd and Pine is a long way from Westlake where the RW rally is.

Hope they stay far apart.

[PSPS]

35. Um, it's two blocks.

[inanna]

20. To all DUers attending this event in Seattle....

PLEASE stay safe.

[riversedge]

22. "Hey hey ho ho white supremacy's got to go" - Solidarity Against Hate group moving towards Westlake

Bettina Hansen?Verified account @bettinahansen 1h1 hour ago

"Hey hey ho ho white supremacy's got to go" - Solidarity Against Hate group moving towards Westlake #Seattle – at Whole Foods Market

Link to tweet

[riversedge]

24. A huge crowd in #Seattle about to march in memory of #HeatherHeyer, in solidarity w/ victims of whi

Women's March and 33 others follow
OneAmerica? @weareoneamerica 1h1 hour ago

A huge crowd in #Seattle about to march in memory of #HeatherHeyer, in solidarity w/ victims of white supremacists + against hate groups.

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

[riversedge]

25. Hard to tell how big this anti-alt right protest is but it's stretching for blocks as they make the

Nathalie Graham? @gramsofgnats 57m57 minutes ago

Hard to tell how big this anti-alt right protest is but it's stretching for blocks as they make their way down Lenora #Seattle

Link to tweet

[riversedge]

26. Loving the Indiana Jones sign!

Deborah Gibbs? @debbiegibbshalm 2m2 minutes ago
Replying to @gramsofgnats

@Rebelutionary_Z Loving the Indiana Jones sign!

[riversedge]

28. WHOW--video. A HUGE Constitution brings up the rear as hundreds counter-protest against pro-Trump &

Bet it is heavy!


Patrick Quinn? @PatrickQuinnTV 1h1 hour ago

A HUGE Constitution brings up the rear as hundreds counter-protest against pro-Trump & right-wing activists. #Seattle – at Denny Park

Link to tweet

[riversedge]

29. Does his boss know he's a white nationalist? #AltRight #Seattle #westlake

Seems someone is trying to ID this man.



#TheResistance and 2 others follow
Katy Bourne? @BigSwingTheory 44m44 minutes ago

Does his boss know he's a white nationalist?
#AltRight #Seattle #westlake

Link to tweet

[rockfordfile]

44. Anybody got a name for the right-wing Nazi?

[riversedge]

51. Perhaps they have by now?? Several groups and individuals are trying to ID and out these thugs.

[Doreen]

31. If I had known about it in time and had enough money I would have gone.

I could afford to go to one in Olympia but Olympia groups do not do well at letting people know there is going to be a protest. The last protest I was at I only found out about it that morning. Does anyone know a RELIABLE Olympia site that lets people know when protests are going to happen other than just a few hours before?

[llmart]

32. Some Du'ers have said in the more recent past...

that they could foresee another Civil War in this country. This weekend it sort of looks like it.

The haters will never win.

[riversedge]

33. Hundreds of protestors decry nazi rally in #Seattle police bring in crowd control to keep them apar

Impact Democracy and 4 others follow
Katherine Cleland? @kcleland 5m5 minutes ago

Hundreds of protestors decry nazi rally in #Seattle police bring in crowd control to keep them apart

Link to tweet

[brooklynite]

36. The "Patiots" rally seems to have taken a cue from yesterday...

...it's not a white supremacy gathering; more of anti-illegal immigration, pro-"real" Americans rally.

[riversedge]

37. #patriotprayer participants in #seattle wearing #maga hats! ***Hillary Clinton Reponds**

I have not seen Hillary respond to these type tweets. good for her. I also do not know how many Pro-trump protesters are in the park





Moni? @Moni100

A lot of #patriotprayer participants in #seattle wearing #maga hats! This is what those who voted for #trump have wrought - chaos. #resist

Link to tweet

Hillary Clinton 🇺🇸? @HillaryClinnton 30m30 minutes ago
Replying to @Moni100

Less than 100 people don't represent millions of people who voted for Trump. Trump voters are also in disgust of the violence and hate!

[riversedge]

40. Solidarity Against Hate Protesters keep trying to split off towards Westlake Park but police keep

Bettina Hansen?Verified account @bettinahansen 20m20 minutes ago

What looks to me like most of the Solidarity Against Hate group is back at Denny Park now. Lots of bike cops in tow. #Seattle
0 replies 0 retweets 0 likes

Link to tweet

Bettina Hansen?Verified account @bettinahansen 34m34 minutes ago

Solidarity Against Hate Protesters keep trying to split off towards Westlake Park but police keep blocking their route. #seattle
0 replies 7 retweets 0 likes







Bettina Hansen?Verified account @bettinahansen 53m53 minutes ago

Solidarity Against Hate protesters seem to *mostly* be clearing the area, walking back towards Denny Park.
0 replies 1 retweet 1 like

Link to tweet

Bettina Hansen?Verified account @bettinahansen 1h1 hour ago
Replying to @bettinahansen

Many staying behind chanting at police #Seattle

Link to tweet

[riversedge]

42. Replying to @alaskajensen @KING5Seattle Where can i sign this?

publicOutcry? @dingalingy55 57m57 minutes ago
Replying to @alaskajensen @KING5Seattle

Where can i sign this?

Link to tweet

[Doug the Dem]

45. Trumpees in Seattle?

Maybe they should make an appointment with Frasier or Niels.

[mountain grammy]

46. Thank you so much, riversedge

For this thread and all updates. Be safe out there.

[riversedge]

50. :-)

[oberliner]

48. What is with the silly string?

Can someone explain that?

[Not Ruth]

52. The counter protesters spray silly string and glitter on the police line to try to get them to react

https://www.facebook.com/R3negadeMedia/videos/1646328445391419/

Fireworks too.

http://www.tmz.com/2017/08/13/seattle-protesters-pepper-sprayed-by-cops-after-charlottesville-silly-string/

[Not Ruth]

53. I thought that this was a well written window into bloc protesting from a prior generation

The bloc want to be on the front line of the protest. And I suppose for other protesters to form the rear.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=9452214

[Not Ruth]

54. I cannot stop watching videos

But just wanted to say that Seattle was peaceful in comparison. Would take another Women's March 100x over this.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/OccupyInauguration/permalink/1147554905376314/