DC Police: Guns not welcome at Proud Boys pro-Trump rally Saturday; permit not yet issued
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — One day after businesses began taking down the plywood boards covering windows in downtown D.C., plans for a pro-Trump rally this weekend are shaping up.
The Proud Boys say they’re staging a rally on Saturday at noon on Freedom Plaza, two blocks from the White House.
But as of Tuesday, the U.S. Park Service says the group has no permit and D.C. Police says if they come, their guns are not welcome in D.C.
The Proud Boys are known for brawling with their opponents as they did recently in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
In the presidential debate, President Trump was asked if he would ask the Proud Boys to stand down. He hesitated and then said, “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by.”
Upset that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are the president and vice-present elect, the Proud Boys and other groups are staging protests in numerous cities to support Trump’s claim that he won.
Asked about the rally at a press conference Tuesday, Mayor Muriel Bowser said, “Our police chief will have a similar posture this weekend as he did last week. And we will be there to support peaceful exercise of First Amendment demonstrations.”
“I huddled with my team this morning about an additional report of a caravan that would be starting somewhere in the south and culminating here.," Bowser said. "We continue to follow those activities and we will be prepared."
