On June 26, 2016, in Sacramento, California, violence erupted as anti-fascists clashed with a known fascist group, the Traditionalist Worker Party. TWP obtained a permit to host a march and rally on the steps of the State Capitol. The Neo-Nazis in TWP attending their rally totaled around 30 people, whereas as many as 300 anti-fascists showed up to shut down the racist, bigoted rally.
About 14 people were injured or stabbed, almost all of whom were anti-fascists; two were left in life threatening critical condition.
It was announced by the California Highway Patrol on March 9 that over 100 people from the June 26, 2016 events had been identified and could face multiple charges that include over 500 misdemeanors and 68 felonies ranging from unlawful assembly to assault with a deadly weapon.
Finally on July 18, after months of waiting since the CHP’s announcement, a 19-year old anti-fascist has been arrested. He has been accused of “attacking” two TWP members at the State Capitol, but so far is facing riot charges. He is currently out on bail according to his lawyer Mark Reichel, but will face arraignment July 24. (Sacramento Bee)
In addition, in an attempt to appear even-handed, William Scott Planer of the TWP was also arrested in Colorado.
Currently, the D.A.’s office is attempting to carry out 101 arrest warrants that include ridiculous charges such as 32 counts involving the possession of “illegal” banners and signs. Since prosecutors were unable to identify many anti-fascists involved in the protest, the D.A. is clearly reaching with charging these left wing activists with any kind of offense that will put them in jail or collect fines. These charges are primarily an attack on anti-fascists whose main goal was to shut down the Neo-Nazi rally.
This event further proves the fact that the justice system will never be in our favor and will do anything they can to charge left wing activists with ridiculous charges, like possessing “illegal” signs. We need to stand in full solidarity with anti-fascist demonstrators and support them as they are being attacked by the state.
