MAGA March Brings Together Trump Voters, Far-right Leaders and Counterprotesters, Ending in Some Clashes

Anti-Trump protesters clashed with supporters of the President and law enforcement Saturday evening in the nation’s capital as they tried to make their way to a hotel where Trump supporters were staying.
At least 20 people were arrested, according to LaToya Foster, a spokesperson for DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. Foster said two officers with the DC Metropolitan Police were injured.
The skirmishes came after a day of largely peaceful demonstrations by thousands of President Donald Trump’s supporters of all stripes, including right-wing and far-right groups, to protest the election results.
Smaller groups of counter demonstrators gathered downtown and near the Supreme Court in support of President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral victory — which the President has falsely described as fraudulent.
Many groups that attended the planned rallies have distinct core beliefs, but on Saturday were united in their unwavering support for the President. They included anti-government groups such as the Oath Keepers, far-right groups such as the Proud Boys and the Three Percenters, conspiracy theorists such as Alex Jones and Republican members of Congress.
Word of at least three different pro-Trump events circulated on social media in recent days — “Stop the Steal,” “March for Trump” and “Million MAGA March.” Throngs began pouring into Freedom Plaza, just east of The White House, hours before the noontime events.
Organizers for the “March for Trump” event — which obtained the permit for the rally — did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment.
Trump took notice of the gatherings and tweeted on Friday that he might make an appearance. Before Saturday’s rallies, the President’s motorcade passed cheering and waving supporters on his way to a golf outing.