WASHINGTON — Several pro-Trump rallies are scheduled in the District this week, drawing thousands of people to downtown D.C. from across the country. President Trump himself is expected to make an appearance Wednesday.
The March For Trump rally organized by the conservative women group, Women For America First, on Wednesday, Jan. 6 on the Ellipse Grounds is projecting about 5,000 Trump supporters to make their way to the nation's capital.
The president tweeted Tuesday evening that he would be speaking at the Save America Rally on the Ellipse at 11 a.m.
Several pre-event rallies took place Tuesday, and DC Police said two arrests were made during the first day of demonstrations (as of the afternoon). Charges included carrying a pistol and rifle without a license, possession of high capacity feeding device, unregistered ammunition and firearms, no permit while driving an unauthorized van and possession of illegal fireworks
Attendees rallying on Wednesday are holding the first amendment rally, "to demand transparency and protect election integrity" on the same day Congress is set to officially approve the 2020 election results. This event comes after President Trump warned via Twitter that there would be a "very big" and "wild" protest on Jan. 6 after he refuses to concede due to unfounded allegations of election fraud.
The March For Trump rally will not be an organized march from the Ellipse, according to the permit approved by the Department of Interior. The organization stated in the permit that some participants may leave their rally to attend other rallies at the United States Capitol to hear the results of Congressional certification of the Electoral College count.
*Note: In accordance with the event permit approved and released by the Department of Interior, this event is not a march from the location of the rally.
Here is everything you need to know about the March For Trump rally:
When:
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
Trump speech expected around 11 a.m.
Where:
Ellipse, Southeast and Southwest Quadrants (South of Tree Lighting site)
Event Overview:
March for Trump will feature speakers from Women for America First, Congressional Representatives, Roger Stone, Julio Gonzalez, Rudy Giuliani, Diamond and Silk.
Parking & Street Closures:
Parking will not be available along Constitution Avenue due to the evening rush hour. Overnight parking not permitted on Constitution Avenue nor on January 6 until after evening rush hour. All vehicles must park in designated available public spaces. All vehicles parked on Constitution Avenue must-have an event placard in the window.
COVID-19 Safety:
The event organizers plan to adhere to CDC guidelines and best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Attendees are advised to stay home if they have tested positive for COVID-19, are showing COVID-19 symptoms, or if they have had close contact with a person who has symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
Attendees are asked to:
- Wear a mask
- Practice social distancing with those outside your immediate party
- Sanitize often
- Avoid handshaking
All staff at the event will be provided with proper PPE. COVID-19 guidelines will be addressed throughout the event.
Additional Details:
MPD reached out to D.C. National Guard to assist D.C. officers with crowd management and traffic control, MPD Police Chief Contee said during a Monday news conference. He said this will allow District officers to focus on individuals that may instigate or agitate violence in the city.
Firearms will not be allowed in the city, Contee said. The department has already posted signs across the city.
RELATED: DC prepares for Pro-Trump rallies, MPD places new signs reminding people no guns allowed at protests
"We will not allow people to incite violence or intimidate our residence and cause destruction in our city. We are asking residents to avoid confrontations with people that may incite a fight," Mayor Muriel Bowser said. "So we are asking people to avoid the areas."
Overnight security will be in place near the event site starting Saturday, Jan. 2 to Friday, Jan. 8.
To receive important emergency information from the District, register for alerts at alertdc.dc.gov.
The 'Million MAGA March' that happened in the District last month to protest President Donald Trump's loss in the 2020 election led to clashes with police, and confrontations between pro-Trump supporters and counter-protesters in the area of Freedom Plaza and Black Lives Matter Plaza.
There were 33 "un-related" arrests, four people were stabbed at the intersection of 11th Street and F Street in downtown D.C. near Black Lives Matter Plaza and eight officers were injured in connection to the demonstrations, D.C. Police said.
