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From the start, it seemed clear that the white supremacists and neo-Nazis in Washington, D.C. would be be outnumbered with counter-protestors. Photos of Unite the Right 2 counter-protestors show them streaming into downtown in far bigger numbers than the 100 to 400 that were expected at the far-right rally.
Unite the Right 2 — organized by the same people as last year's rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where counterprotester Heather Heyer was killed — was to begin at 5:30 p.m. at Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House.
The counterprotesters began even earlier, gathering at different points in the city and convening on Lafayette Park even before the far-right protest was underway. Early in the afternoon, thousands of counterprotesters had gathered in Freedom Plaza for speeches and music, The Washington Post reported.
Plymouth United Church of Christ in D.C. Senior Pastor Graylan Hagler gave the first speech. "This place, this city, this country is a country of inclusivity and not white supremacy,” he told the crowd.
"We are people that stand up for racial justice and racial inclusivity," he added. "We will not be silenced."
The photos show the sheer numbers of people protesting against white supremacy, neo-Nazism, and racism.
1
Counterprotesters Traveled From Out Of D.C.
Members of a church from Baltimore made the journey together.
2
Antifa Made An Appearance, Too
Some antifa protestors covered their faces and wore all black.
3
Former Neo-Nazis Joined The Counterprotest
A group of former neo-Nazis joined the counterprotesters and encouraged white supremacists to call their helpline.
4
Some Slogans Used Trump Lingo
"Fake news" and other Trump favorites made an appearance, though often turned around for a very different meeting.
5
Groups Called Out White Supremacy And Racism
Different groups marched, but they shared a common message against the Unite the Right talking points.
6
Sidewalk Chalk Spread Messages, Too
At the metro station where the Unite the Right 2 protesters would exit, sidewalk chalk spread messages of inclusion.
7
The Protests Happen In The Shadow Of Key D.C. Buildings
The D.C. skyline is prominent in many areas where counterprotesters are meeting — and the Unite the Right 2 rally is across from the White House.
8
Different Groups Meet As They March
Counterprotest groups converged as they approach the rally.
9
The Counterprotests Near Laffeyette Park
Rallies against Unite the Right 2 drew hundreds just blocks away, with speakers and music leading up to 5:30 p.m.
10
All Ages And Races
From kids to the retired, the counterprotesters were a diverse group.
11
Freedom Plaza Was One Of The Early Areas
This is where many met earlier in the afternoon.
13
The Difference In Crowd Size
The counterprotesters were easily outnumbering the Unite the Right 2 protestors that had gathered.
14
Counterprotesters Filled Streets
With police on hand to keep the protesters and counterprotesters separated, it was clear that the two groups were not on the same footing.
