UW Patriot Prayer Rally Overshadowed By Scuffles, Arrests

SEATTLE, WA - What was supposed to be a violent showdown between left and right groups at the University of Washington on Saturday turned out more tame, with a small showing of right-wing rally-goers up against several hundred counter-protesters.

Police made at least three arrests and deployed pepper spray several times, but the event - featuring the Portland-area alt-right group Patriot Prayer - was mostly non-confrontational. Police kept the two sides separated by fences and long lines of police mounted on bicycles.

The day began around noon in front of the UW student union. Counter-protesters gathered there holding anti-Trump signs and decrying “fascists” and “Nazis.”

“There’s nothing we can do to be on their side,” UW sophomore Mikaela Baker told the crowd. “On their side, there’s no choice but to stand up to them or leave.”

“Their message is hateful and vile,” said Michelle, who preferred not to give her last name. She highlighted the right’s willingness to “make women property.”

Just two-tenths of a mile away at Red Square, the UW College Republicans gathered near the entrance of the Odegaard Library. Some wearing “Make America Great Again” hats and draped in American flags, the conservatives appeared excited and eager to confront counter-protesters.

“I’m here for the free speech rally,” said a man named Beau wearing a "Make UW Great Again" hat. He identified as a UW student, but refused to answer questions about how his speech had been repressed on campus. Beau said that there were too many liberal events at UW.

“We should be able to hold events on campus,” a College Republican named Brandon said. The university asked the group to pay $17,000 for security in advance of the event. The group sued UW in federal court, and a judge on Friday ruled that the College Republicans did not have to pay the fee up-front.

Around 1 p.m., more than 100 counter-protesters marched into Red Square. Police had erected fences along the steps of Kane Hall, putting a wide buffer between the two groups.

The two sides were still able to shout at each other, however.

“You shut down Ben Shapiro [a hard-right pundit]” said one man on the College Republicans side. “He’s a Jew! How can we be Nazis?”

"Hey hey, ho ho, Patriot Prayer has got to go!" the counter-protesters chanted back.

The Patriot Prayer rally began with a prayer and the "National Anthem." A man named Aaron wearing a “Proud Boys” T-shirt and stood with his hat on his heart during the song.

“Free speech is important,” he said. Aaron described the Proud Boys as “a fraternal organization, men’s club, one based on Judeo-Christian values.”

Asked whether the Proud Boys are a racist group, he said, “How can you not get that label nowadays?” He highlighted that the alt-right hate Proud Boys because the group accepts gays and racial minorities.

“We just started a chapter in Uganda,” Aaron said.

Nearby, a man named Chris R was wearing a sweatshirt bearing the Cascade Legion logo. Cascade Legion describes itself as a security that protects right-wing speech. Chris R acknowledged that the members “rub shoulders” with white nationalists, but he does not identify as one. He does like white nationalist views on biology - that each human race is biologically different.

“They have some interesting ideas,” Chris R said of white nationalists, in general. “But that doesn’t mean any race is superior,” he added.

In the middle of the event, a coupled of Proud Boys and a Patriot Prayer member, “Tiny,” waded into the counter-protest for a confrontation. The Proud Boys and Tiny scuffled with anti-fascist protesters, but police in the area quickly intervened. The Proud Boys were told to leave the area, but it appeared that police only arrested counter-protesters.

Around 3 p.m., the right-wing rally-goers were totally gone. Police and college students hung out in Red Square, but the violent confrontation some predicted did not materialize.

Counter-protesters gathered in front of the student union before heading to Red Square to confront the conservative rally. Several hundred counter-protesters - students and others - were at the rally at its peak.

A members of the College Republicans looks out at the counter-protest.

To duck accusations of racism, Patriot Prayer often points to the diversity of its members. However, some members of the group toyed with racist views during the rally. One attendee screamed at the counter-protesters, "You shut down Ben Shapiro [a conservative pundit]. He's a jew! How can we be Nazis?

The Patriot Prayer rally featured a live performance with a singer-guitarist. He sang the "National Anthem" and pop songs like "Head Over Boots" by Jon Pardi.

UW College Republicans President Chevy Swanson speaks to the rally attendees as Gibson (right) looks on. Swanson highlighted that a federal judge allowed the rally to proceed without the College Republicans paying an up-front security fee.

Aaron (he did not give his last name), a Proud Boy, drove down from Bellingham to attend the rally. "We're a fraternal organization, a men's club, rooted in Judeo-Christian values," he said of the Proud Boys. Asked about accusations that Proud Boys are a racist group, Brendan said, "How can you not get that label nowadays?"

At one point, Proud Boys and a member of Patriot Prayer, Tiny, confronted counter-protesters. There were several shoving matches, which police quickly interrupted with pepper spray.

This man was hit by pepper spray during a scuffle. He was later taken into custody by police.

Conservative rally attendees argue with counter protesters from behind fences and a line of police.

Counter-protesters called Patriot Prayer and College Republicans Nazis, fascists, and racists.

Images by Neal McNamara/Patch