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.
Here is how the news is developing today. All times Eastern. Check back for updates.
Sep 18, 2021, 2:54 PM EDT
Up to 450 people turn out for rally
About 400 to 450 people were "inside the protest area" Saturday, Capitol Police said after the "Justice for J6" rally concluded.
That number did not include law enforcement, police said.
People hold signs as they gather in front of the U.S. Capitol during a rally in support of defendants being prosecuted in the January 6 attack on the Capitol, in Washington, Sept. 18, 2021.
Jim Bourg/Reuters
The rally fell short of expectations, with organizers having secured a permit for 700 attendees.
Organizer Matt Braynard thanked demonstrators who showed up for "trusting" him.
A counter-protestor holds a sign as demonstrators gather for the "Justice for J6" rally in Washington, DC, on Sept. 18, 2021.
Pedro Ugarte/AFP via Getty Images
Despite the turnout, the event drew a large law enforcement and media presence. Capitol Police said Friday they were working with over 27 agencies from around the region to secure the event.
A woman holds an upside down American flag as she speaks with members of the media before a rally near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Sept. 18, 2021.
Brynn Anderson/AP
Sep 18, 2021, 2:05 PM EDT
Rally concludes without any known major incidents
The "Justice for J6" rally wrapped up Saturday afternoon after about an hour of speeches, without any major known incidents.
Authorities had warned of possible threats of violence at the event, and Capitol Police officers could be seen in riot gear standing on the perimeter of the crowd as people gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol.
Police stand guard as demonstrators gather for the "Justice for J6" rally in Washington, Sept. 18, 2021.
Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee also said in a video message Saturday that the department had security "covered" for the event and was ensuring that people could "peacefully express their First Amendment rights."
Capitol Police said they arrested a man for a weapons violation shortly before the rally kicked off. He allegedly had a knife. Additional details were not immediately available.
No other arrests have been reported at this time.
The Capitol Police Civil Disturbance Unit also responded to a group of protestors and counterprotestors near the Capitol and "separated the groups without incident," police said.
Sep 18, 2021, 1:34 PM EDT
Man with knife arrested, Capitol Police say
Right before the rally kicked off, Capitol Police say they arrested a man with a knife for a weapons violation.
The arrest happened at 12:40 p.m., authorities said. No other details were immediately provided.
Knives are one of over a dozen prohibited items and activities on Capitol Grounds, along with firearms, mace, ammunition and other items.
In the days leading up to the rally, DC Police posted signage in the area of the rally that stated: "All firearms prohibited within 1000 feet of this sign."
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.
