Federal officials monitor Washington anti-vaccine rally for potential violence

Opponents of Covid-19 vaccine mandates gathered to march in Washington, DC Sunday. The event is called “Defeat the Mandates: An American Homecoming.”

Individuals began gathering at the National Mall around 10:30 am (Newsbreak). By 11:30 am they were walking from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. At noon, there were musical performances and speeches from activists like Robert F Kennedy Jr., Dr. Robert Malone, and Lara Logan.

Permits for the gathering that was filed with the National Park Service estimated that the event may attract nearly 20,000 people. As a result, the city ramped up security measures ahead of the protests.

Specifically, law enforcement was worried about the potential for extremists to cause trouble. Federal law enforcement monitored social media ahead of the event, looking for signs of extremist activity and potential violence (Yahoo! News). 

The event is being promoted as a peaceful gathering to promote unity among those opposing Covid vaccine mandates. The Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Capitol Police have assessed the situation saying, “Due to the heightened divisive atmosphere surrounding Covid-19 mandates and vaccinations, altercations or interpersonal violence cannot be ruled out.”