Politics

Demonstrators in white supremacist attire protest on Capitol Hill

Published

4 weeks ago

July 4, 2026

Demonstrators donning the logo and insignia of Patriot Front, a white supremacist group, were seen protesting in the Eastern Market neighborhood and on Capitol Hill on the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

Sporting white masks, sunglasses and Patriot Front’s signature tan caps, the protesters carried Confederate, Patriot Front and upside-down U.S. flags as they marched through Capitol Hill. The group was also photographed riding public transit on Saturday morning.

Outside Union Station, demonstrators chanted phrases including “Life, liberty, victory!” and “Reclaim America!” — slogans regularly used by the group.

The demonstration unfolded as tourists and Americans alike flocked to the “Salute to America” celebration on the National Mall, which will culminate in a speech by President Donald Trump and a fireworks show expected to last for a record-breaking 40 minutes. The Trump administration has made the nation’s 250th anniversary a top priority over the past few months through high-profile initiatives like the Great American State Fair and restoration work at the Reflecting Pool.

Later, anti-Trump demonstrators were filmed walking toward the White House carrying a large Declaration of Independence banner and chanting “8647,” a slogan calling for Trump’s removal from the presidency.

Patriot Front was founded in 2017 by Thomas Ryan Rousseau, who split from the alt-right organization Vanguard America in the aftermath of the deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Patriot Front’s website describes the group as a “fraternal, nationalist, activist organization” and writes that “Our people, born to this nation of our European race, must reforge themselves as a new collective capable of asserting our right to cultural independence.”

The D.C. mayor’s office referred Blue Light News to the Metropolitan police department for comment.

“The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is tracking First Amendment activities that occurred this morning in the Eastern Market neighborhood,” the department said in a statement Saturday. “MPD recognizes the rights of individuals to peacefully express their views and remains committed to maintaining public safety and security for DC residents and visitors.”

Gregory Svirnovskiy contributed to this report.

Politics

FCC chair Brendan Carr on Trump, free speech and his threats against broadcasters

Published

23 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

FCC chair Brendan Carr on Trump, free speech and his threats against broadcasters

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Politics

Mandela Barnes considering dropping out of Wisconsin governor race

Published

1 day ago

July 30, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and his team are discussing dropping out of the crowded Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The conversations come as Democratic officials in the state brace for damaging media reports about Barnes expected to hit in the coming hours. Barnes and his team have been on calls Thursday to discuss how to proceed, according to the people, granted anonymity to share private details.

The primary had become increasingly messy as more moderate leaning Democrats like Barnes have tried to stave off Democratic socialist Francesca Hong’s rise, worried her victory could boost presumed Republican nominee Tom Tiffany. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement of David Crowley — who reentered the race in the final stretch — further complicated the moderate coalition.

A spokesperson for Barnes’ campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.