US: Far-right and anti-fascist demonstrations August 4-5

Event

Multiple far-right demonstrations and counter-protests are planned in cities across the US on Saturday and Sunday, August 4-5. The far-right Patriot Prayer group has organized a rally in Portland (Oregon state) on Saturday, August 4, beginning at 12:00 (local time) at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park; counter-protests by anti-fascist groups are scheduled to begin at 10:30 at Portland City Hall and will move to the Tom McCall Waterfront Park at 11:30. In Providence (Rhode Island state), another far-right group, Resist Marxism, will hold a demonstration on August 4, beginning at 12:00 at City Hall; counter-protesters plan to arrive at the same location at 11:00. Finally, a "Stop the Hate" rally will take place at Ohlone Park in Berkeley (California state) on Sunday, August 5, beginning at 14:00. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected near all demonstration sites. Clashes between rival protesting groups or between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out.

Additional white nationalist protests are planned in Washington, DC on August 12.

Context

Violent clashes broke out between far-right and anti-fascist protesters during the most recent Patriot Prayer rally, held in Portland on June 30, that left four people injured. The Patriot Prayer Group recently canceled a similar demonstration in Berkeley after being criticized for inviting the American Guard, a white supremacist group founded by a known Klansman.

Advice

Individuals in the abovementioned areas are advised to avoid protests and demonstrations as a precaution, report any suspicious objects or behavior to the police, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.