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'Justice for J6' updates: Sparse crowd met with massive police presence at rally

About 400 to 450 people were in the protest area Saturday, Capitol Police said.

ByMeredith Deliso
Last Updated: September 19, 2021, 7:45 PM EDT

The "Justice for J6" rally was billed as a protest for defendants being detained in connection with the January insurrection at the Capitol.

At least 610 individuals have been federally charged for their involvement in the Jan. 6 riot at the United States Capitol, according to the Department of Justice. Most of the roughly 60 who remain behind bars are suspects prosecutors and judges have identified as posing a credible and ongoing threat to the public's safety.

Many of the same far-right groups and individuals who promoted the original Jan. 6 rally-turned insurrection this time warned supporters to avoid the demonstration at all costs. Former President Donald Trump called it a "setup" but also released a statement supporting those charged.

With the House and Senate both out, no lawmakers were at the Capitol on Saturday. But preventative security measures were taken, including the reinstallation of temporary fencing around the Capitol complex.

Latest developments:

Here is how the news is developing today. All times Eastern. Check back for updates.
Sep 18, 2021, 1:11 PM EDT

Rally organizer lays out 'ground rules'

Rally organizer Matt Braynard laid out "some ground rules" at the start of the protest, urging the crowd to be respectful of law enforcement.

"There are uniformed officers here who I demand that you respect, you are kind to, you're respectful to and you're obedient to," he said. "They're here to keep us safe."

U.S. Capitol police patrol the area on bicycles before a rally near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Sept. 18, 2021.
Jose Luis Magana/AP

 

He condemned the violence of the insurrection while calling for transparency in the investigation of the Jan. 6 riot.

 "Anybody who engaged in that kind of violence or property destruction that day deserves to be tried with a speedy trial," he said.

Matt Braynard, the organizer behind the rally and a former Trump campaign staffer, speaks during the rally near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Sept. 18, 2021.
Alex Brandon/AP

 

"This is about the many people who were there that day who have not been charged with violence, not been accused of assaulting a police officer or destroying property and the disparate treatment they received," he continued.

At least 610 people have been federally charged in connection with the insurrection. About 60 remain behind bars, most of whom are suspects prosecutors and judges have identified as posing a credible threat to public safety based on either their alleged violent assaults against police or role in planning the riot.

-ABC News' Alexander Mallin

Sep 18, 2021, 11:45 AM EDT

Counterprotesters arrive ahead of rally

Counterprotesters could be seen gathering near the Capitol ahead of Saturday's rally, toting signs and flags.

PHOTO: Counter-protester Tim Smith sets up a sign he said refers to former U.S. President Donald Trump near the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 18, 2021.
Counter-protester Tim Smith sets up a sign he said refers to former U.S. President Donald Trump near the Capitol, on the day that supporters of defendants being prosecuted in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol will hold a rally, in Washington, Sept. 18, 2021.
Jim Bourg/Reuters

One man had a hand-painted sign with the word "Loser" on it, which he told the Associated Press referred to former President Donald Trump. 

A Capitol police officer speaks with a counter-protester near the Capitol on the day that supporters of defendants being prosecuted in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol will hold a rally in Washington, Sept. 18, 2021.
Jim Bourg/Reuters

A woman could also be seen carrying Black Lives Matter flags. 

It is unclear how many protesters and counterprotesters will show up for the event, though organizers have secured a permit for 700 attendees.

Sep 18, 2021, 10:54 AM EDT

US Capitol Police swear in law enforcement partners ahead of rally

Hours before the rally is set to take place, U.S. Capitol Police swore in local, state and federal law enforcement partners Saturday morning, giving the officers jurisdiction in the areas surrounding the Capitol. 

Capitol Police said Friday they are working with over 27 agencies from around the region to secure the event. 

Police stage at a security fence ahead of a rally near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Sept. 18, 2021.
Nathan Howard/AP

Officers from Fairfax County, Virginia, to Montgomery County, Maryland, are supposed to be on hand to help Capitol Police. 

 -ABC News' Luke Barr

Sep 18, 2021, 10:12 AM EDT

Capitol Police prepared in case of violence but hopeful for peaceful event

U.S. Capitol Police are prepared for potential violence at the "Justice for J6" rally, though are hopeful Saturday's event "remains peaceful," U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Tom Manger said.

"There have been some threats of violence associated" with the rally, Manger told reporters at a press briefing Friday. "We have a strong plan in place to ensure that it remains peaceful and that if violence does occur, that we can stop it as quickly as possible."

Capitol Police leadership has been working over the last eight months "to ensure that we don't have a repeat of January 6," Manger added.

PHOTO: Security fencing is seen around the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 17, 2021.
Security fencing is seen around the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 17, 2021, ahead of a weekend rally planned by allies of former President Donald Trump that is aimed at supporting the so-called "political prisoners" of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Brynn Anderson/AP

Manger told ABC News’ Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott he is most concerned about violent conflicts between protesters and counterprotesters.

Fencing started going up around the Capitol complex earlier this week as part of an "enhanced security posture" to shield the Capitol from any violence, authorities said.

-ABC News' Luke Barr