Mother of All Rallies, Juggalo March on DC's National Mall
An array of protesters descended on D.C.'s National Mall Saturday for two separate rallies, serving very different purposes.
The Mother of All Rallies brought together supporters of President Donald Trump, and as many told FOX 5's Anjali Hemphill, America. On the official website, organizers said they were planning the rally to "send a message to Congress, the media and the world we stand united to defend American culture and values."
That event also brought a host of speakers and music, taking place between the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. By about 1:30 pm, roughly 500 people had gathered near the stage, but organizers expected thousands to attend by the day's end. At one point, the speaker on stage chided the many media members in attendance, inviting them on stage to film the scene and teasing, "I know you don't like to show large pro-Trump crowds."
Just before 6 pm, members of Black Lives Matter came on stage, and were allowed to speak to the crowd, prompting both cheers and boos.
FOX 5 Live on the National Mall: Watch on YouTube (WARNING: Language may be offensive to some)
A short distance away, about two dozen anti-Trump demonstrators gathered to demand that President Trump take stronger action against Russia in response to Moscow's interference in the 2016 election. They gathered in Lafayette Square Park, across from the White House. Some protesters wore T-shirts that said: "We're not PUTIN up with it!" After the rally, the protesters began marching to the nearby home of the Russian ambassador.
At the Lincoln Memorial, fans of the Insane Clown Posse-- known as Juggalos-- gathered in a show of strength and unity. They came together at an event deemed the Juggalo March to protest the FBI's classification of the Insane Clown Posse as a "loosely organized hybrid gang." The group is suing the Department of Justice to lift the designation.
PHOTOS: Juggalos March, Mother of All Rallies in Washington, DC
As of 4:30 pm, the Juggalos rally had been a peaceful event. A series of speakers came to the stage throughout the afternoon to describe their passion for the Insane Clown Posse and the troubles they've had in their lives because they are fans. About 1,000 supporters who had gathered chanted "family" and listened to speakers and music, amid clouds of marijuana smoke.
FOX 5's Paul Wagner spoke to many people who were attending the juggalos rally, some of whom asked if his crew was being treated well by others at the rally and thanked them for coming.
While the rally went on peacefully, Wagner reported U.S. Park Police were watching one group of people in the crowd who appeared to be Antifa members. They were dressed in all black and wearing bandannas. Police stayed close by the group as the rally carried on.
Just after 5 pm, the actual march began along the reflecting pool, with a motorcycle escort. The event is expected to continue until 10 pm.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.