"Justice for J6" Rally Planned

THREAT REPORT

On Saturday, 18 September, 2021, upwards of 700 people will return to the U.S. Capitol to rally in support of defendants charged in connection with the January 6 storming of the Capitol building following the pro-Trump "Stop the Steal" rally. The demonstration is planned for noon at Union Square, which encompasses the U.S. Capitol. Multiple road closures will be in effect.

DHS Bulletin

According to multiple news outlets, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a bulletin warning that "some individuals involved in or opposed to the 'Justice for J6' rally...may seek to engage in violence." According to the bulletin, social media users have "commented on kidnapping an identified member of Congress." The bulletin also notes that  "other references to violence identified on social media include discussions of using the rally to target local Jewish institutions, elected officials, and 'liberal churches'." 

Security Measures

Due to the threat of violence, temporary fencing has been installed around the U.S. Capitol, while multiple law enforcement entities have been activated. These include the National Guard Quick Reaction Force (QRF), D.C. Metro Police, and officers from surrounding cities and federal agencies who have Civil Disturbance Unit training. A counter-rally is planned at Freedom Plaza; however, as with the January 6 rally, counter-protesters are being urged to stay away from the area.

Unlike the January 6 "Stop the Steal" rally, neither President Trump, his family members, nor Congressional Republicans will be in attendance or speaking at the "Justice for J6" rally. Despite this, federal law enforcement is taking the threat seriously, especially after the security failures of January 6th.   

Advice

• Avoid all demonstrations
• Expect traffic disruptions within downtown D.C. 
• Reconsider taking the D.C. Metro and walking the streets of downtown D.C. in the evening hours

Support