NavyJack – Counter-Protest to Oppose the “March for Life”

Tomorrow, Friday January 27, 2017, is the Annual March for Life. The March for Life Rally will take place at noon on the grounds of the Washington Monument, near the corner of 15th Street and Constitution Avenue. Following the Rally, the March will begin on Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets at approximately 1:00 pm. The March for Life was founded in 1973, when a group of pro-life leaders gathered at Nellie Gray’s home in Washington, D.C. to express concern that the first Anniversary of Roe v. Wade would come and go with no recognition. On January 22, 1974 the first March for Life was held on the steps of the Capitol. Pro-lifers have been Marching for Life every year since.

The organizers of the march are aware of plans to block and impede the event and have issued the following advisories:

“Participants should be aware that due to heightened security concerns, all will be required to go through airport-type screening to reach the rally site. The screening stations will be on the Washington Monument grounds directly north of the Monument near 16th Street. Screening will begin at 9:00 AM. Please allow extra time to get to the rally site.”

And;

“Do not engage with counter-protesters.  Once again, please be respectful of all people and stay focused on the cause of promoting and celebrating life, lovingly, prayerfully, and graciously.”

A Prohibited Items List that will be screened is available here. Surrendered items will not be returned.

The Counter-Protest

A Counter-Protest to Oppose the March for Life has been organized by RefuseFascism, the NYC Revolution Club, Stop Patriarchy and other organizations. They announced the counter-protest and their goal to “not let this march go through DC without resistance “via social media here.

“Friday, January 27 at 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM EST – Oppose the so-called ‘March for Life’ which should be called the March for Female Enslavement & Forced Motherhood.   Join with members of RefuseFascism.org, NYC Revolution Club, Stop Patriarchy… as we gather in front of the steps of the Supreme Court with banners, signs, chants…to not let this march go through DC without resistance.”

Oath Keepers suggests that March for Life participants be aware of their surroundings, especially considering the recent violent protests during the Presidential Inauguration only 6 days ago. While the riots that occurred during the Inauguration Parade were not instigated by the same groups promoting the counter-protest, the groups involved with those riots are still hostile and still present in Washington, DC. Movement in groups is highly recommended.

If you are concerned about your own safety or you observe activities that appear threatening, inform a Washington DC Police Officer immediately. The Washington DC Police have been stretched thin for over a week with a never-ending series of protests. Please do not assume that they will take action unless asked. They cannot be everywhere and have been working very long hours for over a week.  They are professional and will assist you if you ask for their assistance. The key is to not hesitate to ask.

Anti-Fascist/Black-bloc Anarchists

Individuals dressed in all black with face coverings, like those pictured above, are most likely intent on more aggressive actions than simply blocking or impeding the march. Should you encounter these individuals, we suggest you not engage with or debate them and immediately move away and inform police. The Washington DC Police has arrested more than 230 of these “Black-bloc” anarchists over the past week for rioting and other offenses.

Please be safe and have a great March for Life!