Part 6/13:
Some comments from witnesses suggest that this tactic of high school kids showing up and chanting could be a recurring phenomenon, capable of deflating the intimidation tactics often employed by far-left extremists. Their acts of patriotism and the simple showing of courage were seen as a "wind out of their sales," leaving Antifa members unsure of how to respond.
Normalcy and Chaos: The Broader Protest Environment
The footage also captured the more mundane aspects of protest life: citizens in the area enjoying dinner, passersby curious about the chaos, and law enforcement standing back. Small antics like wearing costume suits (e.g., Cookie Monster) or playing Star Wars music added a surreal layer amid what often descended into chaos.