Everything you need to know about this week's D.C. protests, which started today
WASHINGTON (ABC7) —
The District is bracing for thousands of people traveling to the area for several demonstrations taking place Tuesday and Wednesday. The protests coincide with Wednesday's congressional vote, expected to certify the Electoral College results, which President Donald Trump continues to dispute.
The National Park Service has received multiple applications, according to spokesman Mike Litterst. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Monday that the D.C. National Guard will offer support to the Metropolitan Police Department with crowd and traffic management. Some 340 D.C. National Guard members will be activated, with about 115 on duty in the streets at any given time. Bowser has asked residents to avoid the downtown area during the demonstrations.
A previous pro-Trump rally in December ended in violence as hundreds of Trump supporters, wearing the signature black and yellow of the Proud Boys faction, sought out confrontations with a collective of local activists attempting to bar them from Black Lives Matter Plaza, an area near the White House.
"There are people intent on coming to our city armed," D.C. Acting Police Chief Robert Contee III said Monday.
President Trump confirmed Tuesday night he will speak at Wednesday's protests at 11 a.m.
D.C. Police last week released a list of road closures ahead of the events.
Here's what else you need to know about the demonstrations:
MOMS FOR AMERICA (TUESDAY)
Moms for America is holding what they're calling a Save the Republic Rally at the Capitol Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m., at the corner of Constitution Ave NE and First St NE across the street from the Supreme Court Building.
STOP THE STEAL (TUESDAY)
The Stop the Steal Rally is scheduled to take place in the District from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Freedom Plaza as the House and Senate members debate the presidential election vote results, according to a release.
This demonstration is calling on Republicans in the House and Senate to move not to certify the vote of the Electoral College.
The expected speakers at the rally will be President Donald Trump's longtime confidant and political advisor, Roger Stone, Trump volunteer foreign policy advisor George Papadopolous, Pastor Mark Burns Head of Now Network, Former Police Commissioner of New York Bernard Kerik, OAN News Anchor Jack Posobiec, Civil Rights Activist Angela Stanton King, Rapper Bryson Gray, Rogan O'Handley - DC Draino, Attorney and Activist and Mega-Blogger, Dr. Gina Loudon - Real America's Voice Anchor, Pastor Greg Locke of Global Bible Vision Church and Ty and Charlene Bollinger of United Medical Freedom SuperPAC.
THE SILENT MAJORITY (TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY)
The pro-Trump Silent Majority group has been given a permit to join other groups in the nation's capital on Wednesday to protest the election results for Joe Biden and show their support for President Trump.
The gathering location is at the National Mall Center East-West Gravel Walkway at 13th Street, panel 17 and panel 16. The permit is good for January 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The group says they will be attending the event to conduct a rally to support first amendment rights.
Silent Majority founder James Epley is scheduled to speak at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. each day. The group said this will be a static rally not involving any marches, and estimates between a crowd-size of 250-500.
ALSO READ: Black Lives Matter D.C. issues demands ahead of Wednesday's pro-Trump rally
WOMEN FOR AMERICA FIRST RALLY (WEDNESDAY)
Women for America First will hold a "March for Trump" to demand transparency and protect election integrity, according to the group's press release.
The demonstration will feature speakers from Women for America First, Congressional Representatives, Roger Stone, Julio Gonzalez, Rudy Giuliani, Diamond and Silk. Women for America First will not have an organized march from the Ellipse at the conclusion of the rally. Some participants may leave to attend rallies at the United States Capitol to hear the results of Congressional certification of the Electoral College count.
President Trump has tweeted that he plans to be there, as well, though he is not listed on the group's list of speakers.
A final permit has amended for the Women for America First rally on Wednesday on the Ellipse. The amendment changes the organizer's projected attendance from 5,000 to 30,000 people.
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
Black Lives Matter D.C is demanding the city government and business leaders shut the city down for many of those coming to Wednesday's pro-Trump rally. The organization says it is the only way to stop attacks and vandalism.
D.C. police have posted signs throughout downtown warning that carrying any sort of firearm is illegal and Contee asked area residents to warn authorities of anyone who might be armed.
The leader of the group Proud Boys was arrested and charged with the destruction of property related to an incident at a historically Black church back on December 12.
Henry "Enrique" Tarrio was arrested as he entered D.C from Miami for Wednesday's demonstrations. He was also charged with being in possession of firearm magazines. Members of the white supremacy group say they will arrive in record numbers.
