An anti-Maxine Waters protest that was set for Thursday (July 19) failed to launch after the rightwing group notified LAPD of its cancellation. According to CBS News, the Oath Keepers took offense with Rep. Waters’ comments on holding Donald Trump’s administration accountable for past, present, and most likely future allegations. As a result, the militia-style group made plans to protest outside of Waters’ South L.A. headquarters.
What was set to take place in the afternoon quickly dissolved before the congresswoman’s supporters swelled in numbers. The news site states, however, that two men arrived on the scene in a pickup truck. Presumed to be detractors of Waters, the men were met with glares and their American flag that flapped on the back of their vehicle was burned by demonstrators.
When the Oath Keepers announced its protest, Waters published a statement on the group’s controversial beliefs. “This group is known to protest in military-style clothing while carrying various assault weapons,” Waters’ statement reads. “The Oath Keepers would like nothing more than to inflame racial tensions and create an explosive conflict in our community.” She also called for peaceful reactions in case the event actually happened.
The Oath Keepers claims Waters incites “terrorism,” and planned to voice its support of ICE and Border Patrol. The topic of immigration has become a hot-button issue since the implementation of the Trump administration’s slipshod no-tolerance policy. Waters has stood firm in her stance against Trump and his cabinet’s practices, even drawing backlash from Trump who referred to her as a person with a “very low IQ.”
The news also made its rounds on social media with users voicing their support for Rep. Waters.
Community showed up in force at Maxine Waters’ office today, to #StandWithMaxine and protect our community from the White supremacists who were threatening her/us. White supremacists didn’t show and may want to think twice before coming into our hood. #CommunitySelfDefense
— #BlackLivesMatter-LA (@BLMLA) July 19, 2018
I’m glad they stood up for Maxine Waters she only trying stand up for whats right against that imbecile Trump
— Beg4Mercy (@MostMerciless) July 20, 2018
I stand with @RepMaxineWaters. I call on @NancyPelosi, @SenSchumer, @TheDemocrats to protect her. You all are expected to fight more vigorously against Donald Trump and all his @gop supporters. Remember, 98% of Black women voted against Donald’s racist regime. pic.twitter.com/PYxxwygsYZ
— I’m Every Woman (@ebpersons) July 20, 2018
Maxine Waters supporters burn American flag outside her office after Oath Keepers protest threat https://t.co/SrYX2gojOZ pic.twitter.com/Y7kCybT75U
— jhony escobar (@johnavy28) July 20, 2018
South Central came out in force to tell Nazis there is no room for them anywhere, and certainly not outside @RepMaxineWaters office. #NoNazisAnywhere pic.twitter.com/OtEaWbAEoL
— Adam | Life Is Funny (@LifeIsFunnyLA) July 19, 2018