SEATTLE — A small gathering of less than a hundred ACT supporters showed up at Seattle’s City Hall Plaza on Saturday and soon found themselves outnumbered by a massive counter-protest of around a thousand people who showed up to voice their disapproval.
The large crowd was deafening at times, though held back by a large police cordon, and various speakers inside the plaza had to shout to be heard.
“ACT! for America is not an anti-Muslim organization!” asserted rally organizer Anthony Parish. “We are anti-radical Islam!”
Meanwhile, ACT! supporters carried signs labeling the Muslim prophet Muhammad a pedophile; others denounced Islam and the supposed threat of Sharia law: “No Shitria” read one.
Several Oath Keepers were present in the crowd, providing “security” by escorting random protesters from the plaza.
The huge crowd across the street from the plaza, which called itself “Seattle Stands With Our Muslim Neighbors,” remained during the three hours or so the rally went on. A handful of fights broke out as the diminutive cluster of anti-Muslim marchers attempted to march from the plaza to Occidental Park in Pioneer Square, a few blocks away. Police said several protesters were arrested in the fighting.
More photos from the scene:
This woman, from Spanaway, met with representatives from the Muslim community before the rally; during the rally, she joined the anti-Sharia crowd in shouting at them.
There were over a thousand people marching in support of Muslims.
Various signs carried by alt-righters belied the claim their rally was not anti-Muslim.
The sea of faces on one side.
Rally organizer Anthony Parish.
One of several alt-right banners making appearances at the rally.
Wrapping himself in the flag.
Flag waver.
Portland alt-right organizer Josh Gordon was present.
An exuberant alt-right supporter.
Fighting Sharia, one flag at a time.
More exuberance.
Tusitala 'Tiny' Toese of Portland also made his presence felt.
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