Local protests erupt after D.C. insurrection
Protests against President Donald Trump and Republicans were organized Thursday in Houston following the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
“Hey hey, ho ho, Ted Cruz has got togo ,” chanted a group of Houston activists around noon in front of the Leland Federal Building at 1919 Smith Street.
Around a dozen people gathered, some with signs that read, “Remove Traitors,” “25th Amendment” and “Trump lost, fascists get out.”
A larger crowd was expected to form in the same location for an “emergency demonstration against Trump supporter’s disruption of Congress” at 1 p.m. The Houston Socialist Movement, Houston United Front against Fascism and People’s New Black Panther Party are organizing the event.
“This is an independent working class political action, unaffiliated with either major political party or politicians,” reads a statement from the group. “Workers, oppressed people, and democratic-minded people will not allow Trump and his minions to stage a coup, andwe will not accept the rise of fascism in this country.”
Another group is gathering to promote unity at 5 p.m. on the front steps of City Hall at 901 Bagby St.
“We need unity of all working people, progressives, community groups, labor unions, and socialists to send the far right packing,” a statement from organizers reads.
The Houston Socialist Alternative, which is organizing the rally, also said in the statement that the difference in police response to the coup by Trump supporters compared to George Floyd and Black Lives Matter demonstrations is another reason to organize.
A multi-church candlelight vigil and “prayer for healing” is planned for 6 p.m. at the Good Shepherd parking lot at 20155 Cypresswood Dr. in Cypress.
On Wednesday, hundreds of people expressed interest in attending an event called “Occupy The Capitol for Trump - Austin” advertised on Facebook. Around 700 to 800 people showed up to the pro-Trump-demonstration, according to media reports, and no arrests weremade. Out of caution, the Texas Capitol was closed to the public on Wednesday. It reopened on Thursday.
Other pro-Trump rallies have been planned for later this month in the Houston region. More than 150 people expressed interest on Facebook in a “Trump 2020 Victory Cruise Rally” in Baytown.