At least three separate pro-Trump rallies are taking place in Washington, and many local businesses boarded up their doors and windows in anticipation of possible violence. Earlier, Mayor Bowser called out unarmed National Guard troops to bolster a heavy police presence.
Trump supporters waving flags and wearing red “Make America Great Again” hats at a morning rally in the Ellipse adjacent to the White House said they were there because they believe Trump was being illegally denied a second term.
“The election was stolen and we have to do something to save the country,” said Colleen Murphy, 53, who traveled from Wisconsin for the rally. “I think Trump has a trump card up his sleeve.”
Sporadic violence between pro- and anti-Trump protesters occurred in Washington just after the November election, before all the states had certified their votes. Officials worry something similar could happen this week, especially if protesters from both sides confront one another on the streets.
While the counting of the Electoral College votes in Congress is largely symbolic, a group of Republican lawmakers vowed to contest the results, delaying completion of the count into late Wednesday or even Thursday morning.
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A 37-year-old woman from New Jersey named Lauren — she declined to give her last name — said she believes the November election was rigged by China’s Communist Party.
“I’m here to fight for the president,” she said. “The election was fraudulent.”
Among the speakers scheduled to address the crowds later Wednesday are Trump confidant Roger Stone and George Papadopoulos, both of whom were pardoned by the president late last year.
—With assistance from Anna Edgerton, Kriston Capps, Emma Kinery and Justin Sink.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.