On Saturday, protesters and counter protesters clashed in DC during the “Demand Free Speech” rally, leading to swift police action.
The violent left-wing protest group Antifa was present, and fought with officers and conservatives attending the event.
One incident that was captured on video shows Antifa members attempt to storm past police barricades to attack their intended targets, however, one officer sends a protester flying backwards while sending a message to the rest of the group.
Antifa protesters tried to break through the police cordon at 12th Street with Pennsylvania Ave. Quick response by @DCPoliceDept. #DemandFreeSpeech pic.twitter.com/q4EAQHFSYp
— Benjamin Alvarez (@BenjAlvarez1) July 6, 2019
Social media commentary overwhelmingly sided with the DC Police, who were praised for their swift action and response to the chaos.
Commenters compared the handling of Antifa in DC to the handling of the group in Portland, Oregon, noting a marked difference.
A stark reminder of the absolute failure of Portland mayor @tedwheeler and his running of the @PortlandPolice department
— Cameron Gray (@Cameron_Gray) July 6, 2019
Time to unmask, disarm and arrest these clowns!
— Bill Smith (@solivitaguy) July 6, 2019
They are such wimps
— Greg (@Rebeldill75) July 6, 2019
You Might Like
About time law enforcement did their jobs & took action against these punks. Until they do so consistently, Antifa will continue to thumb their noses at law enforcement. There needs to be swift & undeniable response to their violence. It seems to be all they understand.
— VA Buckeye! 🇺🇲 (@Buckeyes23701) July 6, 2019
What happens when the police are allowed to do their jobs.
— Nocona Youngblood (@ElCamioneroDeTX) July 6, 2019
Well done! They are anti freedom! They are domestic terrorist
— 再来一次 (I Will Come Back) (@J36SKn57JQYMbKY) July 6, 2019