The most anticipated visit by right-wing activists to the nation’s capital since a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 ended with a whimper Saturday, as demonstrators supporting the rioters found themselves far outnumbered by police, journalists and counterprotesters.
Although the protesters returned to the scene of a historically grievous attack on American democracy, it was immediately obvious that much had changed. The Capitol grounds — where poorly prepared police fought a losing, hand-to-hand battle against President Donald Trump’s supporters just over eight months ago — were secured Saturday with metal fences and hundreds of officers. The halls of Congress were all but deserted. No president, or former president, delivered a bellicose speech urging that his election loss be overturned.
Police made just four arrests throughout the day, seizing two weapons. The relative peace and quiet was a welcome turn for the U.S. Capitol Police, whose leaders endured blistering criticism in the months after Jan. 6 for inadequate security.
This was known to everyone but the establishment media. We all knew this wasn’t going to be a big deal. The photo of the undercover federal agents at the rally trying to blend into the crowd was the highlight of the event. The picture says it all–and it generated some grade-A memes and commentary.
“It’s time-and-a-half on Saturdays, right?” pic.twitter.com/5VNbHtTh5k
— John 'pro-norms' Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) September 18, 2021
HELLO FBI undercover at a MAGA rally – where did they go astray?
1. Cuffed shorts
2. Anchor pattern shirt
3. High and tight haircuts
4. Suede sneakers
5. Chinos
6. Matching $300 sunglasses
7. Zero flags nor Trump regalia''You blend'' pic.twitter.com/1JpgNCbPMV
— Brad Slager – Focused On Lasers (@MartiniShark) September 18, 2021
Fed Gala pic.twitter.com/ciR0FA6lBr
— ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇᴀʀ ᴍᴇᴍᴇꜱ (@grandoldmemes) September 19, 2021
— Davar Echad (@DavarEchad) September 19, 2021
“Someone start playing country music” pic.twitter.com/agOa9x9Tz4
— John 'pro-norms' Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) September 18, 2021
— ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇᴀʀ ᴍᴇᴍᴇꜱ (@grandoldmemes) September 18, 2021