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       Nancy Pelosi condemns upcoming ‘Justice for J6’ rally

       Washington, DC is hunkered down in advance of a protest on behalf of people arrested for their alleged part in the US Capitol insurrection at the start of this year. The “Justice for J6” rally, organised by a onetime Trump campaign staffer, is ostensibly a protest against the “persecution” of the 600-plus people who have been taken into custody. It is seen by some as part of a broader right-wing attempt to rewrite the narrative of the attack on the Capitol as a mostly peaceful incident, with the participants reframed as simply naive citizens earnestly concerned about the 2020 election.

       However, there are concerns that the protest could attract extremist groups with other, more nefarious grievances – including some of the violent actors who joined the insurrection itself. That said, experts in extremism have reported that organisations such as the Proud Boys are telling their members to stay away from the protest. The organisers insist it will be a peaceful event – but the US Capitol Police are taking no chances.

       Follow live updates on the event below.

       Key points Members of Congress and staff have been warned to avoid US Capitol on day of protest Debate remains as to how many people will attend rally Organisers have banned attendees from bringing pro-Trump clothing or signs Proud Boys have warned members away from attending for fear of law enforcement entrapment

       Show latest update 1631962280 Release of Capitol rioters?

       Matt Braynard, a supporter of Trump’s false claims that his 2020 election defeat was the result of widespread fraud who is organizing the rally, said he hoped it would lead to the release of people charged with taking part in the Capitol riot on 6 January.

       “What we really want to do is put a spotlight on the mistreatment of these individuals and encourage federal legislators to demand the Department of Justice deliver real justice to these people. And that means, in many cases, dropping charges,” Braynard said in an interview on C-SPAN.

       Independent staff 18 September 2021 11:51

       1631954496 Online ‘chatter’ similar to January 6

       Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said at a news conference on Friday that it was difficult to say whether threats of violence for the Saturday event are credible, but “chatter” online and elsewhere has been similar to intelligence that was missed in January.

       A permit for the protest allows 700 people. Manger said he believes the most likely possibility for for violence Saturday will involve clashes between the protesters and counter-protesters who are expected to show up.

       Police are also preparing for the possibility that some demonstrators may arrive with weapons.

       “We’re not going to tolerate violence, and we will not tolerate criminal behavior of any kind,” Manger said. “The American public and members of Congress have an expectation that we protect the Capitol. And I am confident that the plan we have in place will meet that expectation.”

       Independent staff 18 September 2021 09:41

       1631893580 What the “Justice for J6” rally could look like

       Today’s protest has been put together by Matt Braynard, a right-wing activist who briefly worked on Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign, and who has made a name for himself advocating for the hundreds of people arrested since the insurrection. What has he been doing, and why?

       Here’s an explainer.

       Everything we know about the ‘Justice for J6’ rally at US Capitol Law enforcement have warned members of Congress and staff to avoid the event – even though many far-right groups are staying home

       Andrew Naughtie 17 September 2021 16:46

       1631893318 Good morning

       Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the “Justice for J6” protest at the US Capitol. Stay tuned for updates.

       Andrew Naughtie 17 September 2021 16:41

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