Capitol Police prepare for weekend rally

Roughly 700 demonstrators are expected to flock to Washington on Saturday for the “Justice for J6” event. Attendees will meet at Union Square just west of the U.S. Capitol to protest criminal charges against people involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Police reinstalled perimeter fencing around the Capitol and asked the National Guard to stand by. The Capitol Police board also issued an emergency declaration that allows them to deputize other law enforcement officers for the day. Rally organizers say the gathering is a peaceful protest. Congress will not be in session due to a planned recess for Yom Kippur.

What is the rally about? The organization Look Ahead America maintains a database of more than 700 protesters arrested or detained in connection to the events of Jan. 6. Executive Director Matt Braynard said the group intends to educate legislators on more than 600 “political prisoners” charged with federal crimes and demand their release. Look Ahead’s website instructs demonstrators to respect law enforcement and not wear political paraphernalia.

Dig deeper: Read WORLD’s ongoing coverage of the effects of the Jan. 6 riot.