Refuse Fascism, the group behind this weekend’s multi-city Antifa rallies, claims to be “organizing millions of people to drive out the fascist Trump / Pence regime.” Actual turnout on the first day of their nationwide rallies was far lower.
The group, founded by Revolutionary Communist Party chairman Bob Avakian, took out a full-page ad in the New York Times to promote the rally, and has enjoyed free press in the national media in the past few days.
Despite the press attention, turnout was low at many of Refuse Fascism’s rallies, which were scheduled to take place in 20 U.S. cities. The exception appears to have been L.A, where local news reported that close to 2,000 protesters gathered.
There were no reports of violent incidents, although a woman accused of deliberately splashing her drink on a Trump supporter was reportedly arrested at the Refuse Fascism march in New York City.
#Chicago spirited rally, all ages #Nov4ItBegins pic.twitter.com/5EffW2l6OU
— RefuseFascismCh (@RefuseFascismCH) November 4, 2017
Diverse Crowd in the Rain in #Chicago #Nov4ItBegins #TrumpPenceMustGo pic.twitter.com/BF3ciU7IOw
— RefuseFascismCh (@RefuseFascismCH) November 4, 2017
#Chicago Strong Message From Rev Greer #TrumpPenceMustGo pic.twitter.com/DrJFSMTuRr
— RefuseFascismCh (@RefuseFascismCH) November 4, 2017
The Chicago protest later grew to a small crowd.
The drummers came out in Chicago — Powerful!
This is how you do it.
"Nov4ItBegins #TrumpPenceMustGo #Resisthttps://t.co/qryOLprBx2 pic.twitter.com/YzqdgYYpC2— #TrumpPenceMustGo (@RefuseFascism) November 4, 2017
Boston saw an even smaller crowd of protesters.
— naculis (@Vernaculis) November 4, 2017
In the Antifa stronghold of Seattle, local observers estimate an attendance of about 50 during the afternoon. Many protest signs can be seen lying on the ground, untouched and unused.
Panning video of the protesters at Seattle City Hall. #Nov4ItBegins #TrumpPenceMustGo pic.twitter.com/xrOoT2Pyag
— Sam Levine (@samlevine) November 4, 2017
There are about 50 protesters at Seattle City Hall now. #Nov4ItBegins #TrumpPenceMustGo pic.twitter.com/wstlVYEsc1
— Sam Levine (@samlevine) November 4, 2017
One protester in Seattle turned up with a Soviet flag. I can only assume that the New York Times, the Washington Post and CNN, all of which hate murderous totalitarian ideologies, will give it the same kind of coverage they devoted to the swastika at Charlottesville. That’s how it works, right?
Soviet flag at Seattle City Hall. #Nov4ItBegins #TrumpPenceMustGo pic.twitter.com/ZbrLkVhkD8
— Sam Levine (@samlevine) November 4, 2017
There was also a man with an American flag, which is not totalitarian at all. Unless you believe the left.
Man with an American flag at Seattle City Hall. #Nov4ItBegins #TrumpPenceMustGo pic.twitter.com/BXsgCNyDtG
— Sam Levine (@samlevine) November 4, 2017
There was also a man with neither an American flag nor a Soviet flag, but a trombone. Tooooot.
Looks like there will be a marching band for the march starting from Seattle City Hall later today. #Nov4ItBegins #TrumpPenceMustGo pic.twitter.com/etLHTxiWGs
— Sam Levine (@samlevine) November 4, 2017
New York City saw a large gathering, with pictures and footage from the ground indicated a crowd of several hundred people.
Its growing pic.twitter.com/AQLKzD58Qd
— Tim Pool (@Timcast) November 4, 2017
SAY IT WITH US! We refuse to accept a fascist America #Nov4ItBegins #TrumpPenceMustGo pic.twitter.com/2eYDLPRmXM
— #TrumpPenceMustGo (@RefuseFascism) November 4, 2017
NOW: “If you hate trump and Pence join us” pic.twitter.com/0QfMJG3var
— Tim Pool (@Timcast) November 4, 2017
Pool also reported a small counter-protest by Trump supporters.
VIDEO: Two women leading the March supporting Donald #Trump pic.twitter.com/yl8puyxkBQ
— Tim Pool (@Timcast) November 4, 2017
In contrast to previous Antifa rallies, there haven’t been any reports of violence as of yet, although independent journalist Tim Pool did report being yelled at for asking questions about communism.
Some lady just started screaming at me when I asked her how she felt about The revolutionary communist party’s involvement in today’s event.
— Tim Pool (@Timcast) November 4, 2017
That’s the thing about commies, they never admit it. Except when they wave Soviet flags in the middle of Seattle. So I guess they sometimes admit it.
Pool also reported that a woman was arrested in NYC after splashing her drink on a Trump supporter.
NOW: Police arrest woman accused of splashing a #Trump supporter with a drink. pic.twitter.com/l24u7YJYox
— Tim Pool (@Timcast) November 4, 2017
In Philadelphia, local news sources report a crowd of around 200 marched in the city.
https://twitter.com/jpegjoshua/status/926900021479473154
Pictures from the march in Los Angeles show a moderately-sized crowd during the afternoon, although local news reported that the protesters’ numbers swelled to nearly 2,000, making it the largest-reported crowd of the day. One arrest was reported.
Refuse Fascism march is now at Los Angeles and 7th in #LosAngeles in Fashion District pic.twitter.com/WhnlstXfV3
— Wes Woods II (@JournoWes) November 4, 2017
The protesters were confronted by a small group of counter-protesters carrying American flags and wearing MAGA hats.
LIVE on #Periscope: ATIFA AT PERSHING SQUARE https://t.co/RuORrn21KX @Infowars @RealAlexJones. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/4ihDFUSrk2
— Omar Navarro (@RealOmarNavarro) November 4, 2017
Another protest of around 200 gathered in San Francisco, according to local media. No violent incidents were reported.
In Hawaii, a crowd of protesters greeted the arrival of President Trump earlier today with signs bearing the slogans “impeach” and “welcome to Kenya.”
Trump Protest at the State Capitol. There were like three pro-trump people lol #hawaiij20 #hawaii pic.twitter.com/NpmtOzX2jE
— Kate Ozawa (@AlohaKatie) November 4, 2017
Refuse Fascism even tried to organize in Texas, but only managed to mobilize what appeared to be just over a dozen protesters.
MT @taygoldenstein People in TX came out today despite being surrounded by fascists. This is courage. Support this https://t.co/qryOLprBx2 pic.twitter.com/0Sa9SbP73n
— #TrumpPenceMustGo (@RefuseFascism) November 4, 2017
Overall, there has been no sign of an “Antifa apocalypse.” Protesters only numbered in hundreds in leftist hotbeds like New York City and Philadelphia, despite substantial advertising and attention in the national media. Only in L.A did protesters’ numbers reach into the thousands, according to local reports. In many other locations targeted by Refuse Fascism, protesters could only muster a few dozen supporters.
You can follow Allum Bokhari on Twitter, Gab.ai and add him on Facebook. Email tips and suggestions to abokhari@breitbart.com.
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