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relayerbob

(7,236 posts)
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 11:57 AM Jun 11

Watch out for this on Saturday

From Threads:

It is rumored that on June 14th, Proud Boys, and alt.. right groups plan to infiltrate the protests, attack the police and destroy property.
If violence breaks out at your protest sit DOWN.
Leave only the provocateurs standing
Please share far and wide. Do not let them provoke you

71 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Watch out for this on Saturday (Original Post) relayerbob Jun 11 OP
K&R bdamomma Jun 11 #1
Better yet, leave the vicinity immediately. Not only exposes provocateurs but much safer away. Bernardo de La Paz Jun 11 #2
That's my plan IronLionZion Jun 11 #16
Never sit down at a protest. GTFO and be water Klarkashton Jun 11 #27
Yes. Sitting down is very VULNERABLE to INJURY, if police charge crowd or if crowd panics. Bernardo de La Paz Jun 11 #42
Indivisible has been/ is doing a LOT of safety and de-escalation trainings. All the hosts are required to do these. Amaryllis Jun 11 #3
I've also read to put down your sign if you need to escape. forgotmylogin Jun 11 #53
And while sitting down, sing, so the nazi invaders will be shown for who they are. ancianita Jun 11 #4
If I sang I'd be arrested moonscape Jun 11 #6
We could sing duet..... Codifer Jun 11 #7
In my case orangecrush Jun 11 #11
lol ancianita Jun 11 #15
lol Lulu KC Jun 11 #50
My relatives all demand that I sing solo. SeattleVet Jun 11 #58
Good advice Grim Chieftain Jun 11 #5
Why would the provocateurs remain standing? flvegan Jun 11 #8
The point is to do things that will set them apart relayerbob Jun 11 #18
It also reduces the chance they can say there was widespread violence. usedtobedemgurl Jun 11 #38
Proud Boys can't sit down, they don't have knees. This is known. WhiskeyGrinder Jun 11 #23
Thanks for the idea... good plan! liberalla Jun 11 #9
Make videos, turn the thugs and videos over to the cops AverageOldGuy Jun 11 #10
This ☝️ Beachnutt Jun 11 #17
Yes! Ohioboy Jun 11 #19
Everyone should be taking video DENVERPOPS Jun 11 #32
This old lady will be there with bells on and cane held tightly in her fist! Mountain Mule Jun 11 #57
Kick orangecrush Jun 11 #12
Be careful out there, everyone! Passages Jun 11 #13
K&R Exp Jun 11 #14
Wouldn't be surprised if this was the plan all along. Jay25 Jun 11 #20
That is expected, its an old trick to blame the peacful protestors. Escurumbele Jun 11 #21
And they all saw that he pardoned DENVERPOPS Jun 11 #33
Sitting down when shit pops off is a terrible idea and people need to stop spreading it WhiskeyGrinder Jun 11 #22
What do you recommend people do instead? nt drmeow Jun 11 #59
When shit pops off and they don't want to be a part of it? Leave. WhiskeyGrinder Jun 11 #60
That isn't always possible drmeow Jun 11 #61
Sitting down is not going to keep you from being attacked or blamed, either, and puts you in a very vulnerable position. WhiskeyGrinder Jun 11 #62
Just curious drmeow Jun 13 #71
I say to keep the cell phone cameras constantly going, record, record, record. Actually document who is doing SWBTATTReg Jun 11 #24
Our KD committee members have been attending (Zoom) training sessions duhneece Jun 11 #25
Not much of a worry in most places Warpy Jun 11 #26
Yesterday, my mother told me she had heard an interview with Jason Stanley, the professor Mike 03 Jun 11 #28
This is a terrible idea never do the sit down shit. Klarkashton Jun 11 #29
Black Civil Rights Movement JustAnotherGen Jun 11 #35
Go ahead if you want to get busted. This isn't Klarkashton Jun 11 #36
"Black Civil Rights Movement ncluded sitting down." WhiskeyGrinder Jun 11 #40
This is EXACTLY what they want people to do relayerbob Jun 11 #43
What this bullshit wants you to do is sit down Klarkashton Jun 11 #44
Sounds like you should just stay home relayerbob Jun 11 #45
Go ahead and sit down. It's fine with me. Klarkashton Jun 11 #46
Interesting -- the ACLU training yesterday declined to give advice re this, but several No Kings/Indivisible LauraInLA Jun 11 #47
Sitting down at a protest is an invitation to be voluntarily Klarkashton Jun 11 #48
I understand what you're saying. I can also understand the notion that it differentiates the protestors from the LauraInLA Jun 11 #49
Fascinating assertions Torchlight Jun 11 #54
It's not an assertion it actually happens. Klarkashton Jun 11 #56
What did the ACLU training suggest you do whopis01 Jun 12 #65
They said because it was situational, they couldn't advise us, but to be aware of surroundings. LauraInLA Jun 12 #70
TY! mntleo2 Jun 11 #30
Do everything possible to pull their masks off and get pictures moniss Jun 11 #31
Just thinking out loud here... ShazzieB Jun 11 #34
I'm sure with all the focus on LA and the fed presence already here, downtown is going to be a target if anyplace is. LauraInLA Jun 11 #51
I think the wight wing is intent on throwing chum into the water. Torchlight Jun 11 #37
And this: SayItLoud Jun 11 #39
K & R malaise Jun 11 #41
It's called the sitdown wave proud patriot Jun 11 #52
Whodathunkit? BurnDoubt Jun 11 #55
If you're taking videos (and all who can should try) GenThePerservering Jun 11 #63
Of course. live love laugh Jun 12 #64
If someone starts attacking police Hornedfrog2000 Jun 12 #66
Another Kent State in the making. Joinfortmill Jun 12 #67
Our leadership at the protest murielm99 Jun 12 #68
Just SHARED this on my FB timeline.. ProudMNDemocrat Jun 12 #69

Bernardo de La Paz

(57,328 posts)
2. Better yet, leave the vicinity immediately. Not only exposes provocateurs but much safer away.
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 12:09 PM
Jun 11

Provocateurs depend on crowds for cover. Leaving will make them stop, which is a good thing. If it doesn't make them stop, then they are exposed. Win-win for us, the good side.

When the provocateurs leave, then go back. Or be protesting elsewhere already.

Repeat as many times as necessary to expose provocateurs.

Bernardo de La Paz

(57,328 posts)
42. Yes. Sitting down is very VULNERABLE to INJURY, if police charge crowd or if crowd panics.
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 03:48 PM
Jun 11

You'll get run over and won't be able to get up. People will fall on top of you and be pushed by the crowd on top of you. You could die.

If the crowd is too dense, move to a less crowded place.

Situational awareness at all times when in crowds. Keep an eye on the periphery for unusual movements.

Amaryllis

(10,603 posts)
3. Indivisible has been/ is doing a LOT of safety and de-escalation trainings. All the hosts are required to do these.
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 12:18 PM
Jun 11

forgotmylogin

(7,910 posts)
53. I've also read to put down your sign if you need to escape.
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 07:43 PM
Jun 11

When vandalism or violence breaks out, you are not protesting anymore. Leave the area safely and don't be holding anything they might decide is a weapon.

moonscape

(5,572 posts)
6. If I sang I'd be arrested
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 12:39 PM
Jun 11

for being violently off-key. Or maybe I’d make them run for their own damned lives!

Grim Chieftain

(441 posts)
5. Good advice
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 12:35 PM
Jun 11

I have really been concerned about violence against protesters, so we all need to be alert and aware.

flvegan

(65,153 posts)
8. Why would the provocateurs remain standing?
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 12:46 PM
Jun 11

I mean, this whole "everyone sit down at once" with the expectations that thousands (tens of thousands?) of people will drop to their butts like a kindergarten class all at once has kind of made the rounds. I've seen this at least 6 or 7 times, and I'm not on the TikTok/Twitter/Insta disease-fests like most are. Do we think they'll just stand and be like, "okay, ya got me" in this sort of instance?

Maybe other folks have thought about this better than I have.

relayerbob

(7,236 posts)
18. The point is to do things that will set them apart
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 01:07 PM
Jun 11

They might sit, they might not, but if people are sitting, they aren't breaking windows, starting fires, etc., so even if they join the crowd and sit, that reduces potential violence.

usedtobedemgurl

(1,778 posts)
38. It also reduces the chance they can say there was widespread violence.
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:39 PM
Jun 11

Hard to say folks were rioting if they are just sitting there.

AverageOldGuy

(2,787 posts)
10. Make videos, turn the thugs and videos over to the cops
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 12:49 PM
Jun 11

If cops are present, point out the thugs.

DENVERPOPS

(13,003 posts)
32. Everyone should be taking video
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:24 PM
Jun 11

AND the last thing you want to do is turn it over to the Police or ANY of the mainstream TV networks......get it to the WaPo and NYT or DU.....

And have people standing back from the main crowd, from an elevated position filming everything........

I for sure would not have a single individual at the Parade in DC......period.

I am looking for what the 6,000 military soldiers in the parade are wearing.......dress uniforms, or full battle gear......Very Telling..........It is a perfect set up to use excessive force on anyone who isn't a MAGAot.........and the entire day, across the entire U.S. will be a set up for any violence giving him the reason he wants to install the so-called Insurrection Act, over ride the Posse Comatatus Act, and declare martial law allowing him to use the entire U.S. Military against dissension in any manner, real or fancied by him and Fox News.......

Also, during the BLM demonstrations, people were following the individuals that were doing the major vandalism, breaking windows, and starting fires to see where they went after their actions. The peaceful demonstrators video recorded their actions and them leaving the "riot" to go back to their cars near the site and them escaping....definitely RW MAGAots, inciting violence as if they were demonstrators.......

This is what the Proud Boys have been waiting for, along with the 1600 pardoned by Trump, to have some payback.......

Interesting that a lot of the elderly that demonstrated in the 60's, tell me they can't participate due to their elderly condition and are in hopes that the younger participate........

Mountain Mule

(1,158 posts)
57. This old lady will be there with bells on and cane held tightly in her fist!
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 08:05 PM
Jun 11

I started out protesting in the 60's and I see no reason to stop now.

Jay25

(426 posts)
20. Wouldn't be surprised if this was the plan all along.
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 01:15 PM
Jun 11

Send in undercover goons to vandalize and attack police. Make sure fellow ICE comrades are present to whisk them away to safety, and then, the orange one declares martial law.

Escurumbele

(3,840 posts)
21. That is expected, its an old trick to blame the peacful protestors.
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 01:18 PM
Jun 11

Every wanna-be-dictator uses the same tactics. I have friends in Venezuela, and they would tell me about it. Venezuela is not a big country like the USA is, people know who is who, they knew the thugs that were committing crimes during the peaceful protests were linked to the government.

Like what trump is trying to do here, Chavez implemented a militia called "Los Colectivos", the government equipped them with motorcycles, guns and a monthly salary to do what militias do, create chaos. The "Colectivos" went even further, started robbing people, collecting "protection fees" to small businesses, killed innocent people, raped women, and pretty much did whatever they pleased with the protection of the government.

trump's intent to pardon all the thugs who participated in the insurrection was not that he truly believes they were victims, or anything else, he did it because now he has the loyalty of the criminals, it is own personal army, and they are dangerous.

I cannot believe there is nothing that can be done to stop the madness, I sometimes think Democratic leaders are letting it happen to let the USA understand the mistake they made electing trump, and to allow republicans to show how disgraceful they are to make sure future elections go to the Democrats, the problem is that when you let something like this go too far, it is very difficult to stop it, to fix. It is like a snowball, once it gets going it just grows, the devastation it causes is tremendous.

DENVERPOPS

(13,003 posts)
33. And they all saw that he pardoned
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:28 PM
Jun 11

the insurrectionists, all 1600 that were sitting in prison from his last time, and know he will do the same this time around, giving them immunity to act out any way they want.....

This entire Debacle was a set up, well organized, well orchestrated, and executed to create the situation we are enduring and what will take place in the near future.......They have been working towards this diligently, since they corruptly and using Treason, stole the election from Carter in 1980

drmeow

(5,695 posts)
61. That isn't always possible
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 09:20 PM
Jun 11

to do safely or without being blamed for what is going on.

When was the last time you were at a large protest?

WhiskeyGrinder

(25,404 posts)
62. Sitting down is not going to keep you from being attacked or blamed, either, and puts you in a very vulnerable position.
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 09:28 PM
Jun 11
When was the last time you were at a large protest?
March, why?

drmeow

(5,695 posts)
71. Just curious
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 09:36 AM
Jun 13

The flaw with the recommendation to sit down is that I think they are referring to situations in which fake protesters start committing acts of violence to make the legitimate protesters look bad. It fails to address other types of violence and assumes good will on the part of police.

SWBTATTReg

(25,527 posts)
24. I say to keep the cell phone cameras constantly going, record, record, record. Actually document who is doing
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 01:27 PM
Jun 11

what, when, and where. Every little bit will help nail the provocateurs later.

duhneece

(4,388 posts)
25. Our KD committee members have been attending (Zoom) training sessions
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 01:58 PM
Jun 11

They want all of us to ignore and don’t speak to folks who reveal themselves to not be supportive of our values and to SIT DOWN if we sense trouble.
We’re in a very red county in a poor blue state (New Mexico). We’ve been protesting every Saturday since early March.

Warpy

(113,746 posts)
26. Not much of a worry in most places
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:04 PM
Jun 11

because bullies shy away from situations where they know they're outnumbered.

People in red areas are going to need to figure out escape routes when the local cops show up. Alternate protest locations are also good, make them divide their forces and put them on the wrong foot all the way. Oh, and make sure the ACLI's number is somewhere on your person, you'll want to give them a call, too, if you're caught and thrown into jail.

Also realize that civil disobedience, even that protected by the constitution, is risky. That is especially true when a fucking fascist is in office.

My demo days are over, at least while I'm having the RA flare from hell. Thank you all for trying to restore my faith in my fellow Americans.

Mike 03

(18,651 posts)
28. Yesterday, my mother told me she had heard an interview with Jason Stanley, the professor
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:13 PM
Jun 11

specializing in Fascism, and she was anxious because he was predicting some kind of false flag or mass casualty event of some kind that Trump would then use to his advantage (as we've discussed here on many occasions). I think that is strange, because Professor Stanley is a very grounded, brilliant guy whose predictions (that I'm aware of) have come into being. He's not someone who makes hyperbolic, outlandish predictions that don't come to pass.

Your post just made me think about that.

Klarkashton

(3,670 posts)
29. This is a terrible idea never do the sit down shit.
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:16 PM
Jun 11

GTFO as fast as you can. Never ever get arrested.
It will ruin your life and cost you a huge amount of time and money. I guarantee that if you sit down they will kettle you and arrest you.

JustAnotherGen

(36,012 posts)
35. Black Civil Rights Movement
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:31 PM
Jun 11

Included sitting down. If 20 Proud Boys stand up over 1000 protesters sitting down . .. dumping water and food on their heads, swearing at them, pushing them, etc. etc.

It's not a good look for America.

Never confuse the police with the white supremacist gangs - Klan, Proud Boys, etc. etc.

Klarkashton

(3,670 posts)
36. Go ahead if you want to get busted. This isn't
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:34 PM
Jun 11

The 1960s. If you can afford the time and money to get voluntarily arrested then do so.
The cops have no problem kettling 1000 people trust me.

WhiskeyGrinder

(25,404 posts)
40. "Black Civil Rights Movement ncluded sitting down."
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:44 PM
Jun 11

These were specialized activists who trained in the tactic and prepared for the likelihood of arrest or injury. They sat down to *bear* the violence, not try to show that someone else deserves it. Randos just plopping on their asses while cops are already swinging at violent "provocateurs" is a recipe for disaster.

relayerbob

(7,236 posts)
43. This is EXACTLY what they want people to do
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 03:51 PM
Jun 11

Turn tail and run away. No amount of cowardice will ever win people rights.

Klarkashton

(3,670 posts)
44. What this bullshit wants you to do is sit down
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 04:01 PM
Jun 11

And get arrested while the proud boys do a lot of damage and walk away .

LauraInLA

(2,243 posts)
47. Interesting -- the ACLU training yesterday declined to give advice re this, but several No Kings/Indivisible
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 05:38 PM
Jun 11

organizers here in the LA area are recommending it.

Klarkashton

(3,670 posts)
48. Sitting down at a protest is an invitation to be voluntarily
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 05:51 PM
Jun 11

Arrested. I'm sure you have seen video where people get hauled off one by one after being kettled. It seems like a righteous thing to do except that once it's over you are forgotten about.
Except for the court appearances, fines, jail and so on.

LauraInLA

(2,243 posts)
49. I understand what you're saying. I can also understand the notion that it differentiates the protestors from the
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 05:57 PM
Jun 11

disruptors. I’m guessing at least some of the choice depends on location/situation.

whopis01

(3,857 posts)
65. What did the ACLU training suggest you do
Thu Jun 12, 2025, 06:21 AM
Jun 12

if violence broke out or there were obvious agitators infiltrating the protest?

LauraInLA

(2,243 posts)
70. They said because it was situational, they couldn't advise us, but to be aware of surroundings.
Thu Jun 12, 2025, 12:44 PM
Jun 12

mntleo2

(2,604 posts)
30. TY!
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:16 PM
Jun 11

Appreciate this alert and a way to stay safe (we hope with those violent jerks roaming around, who knows)?

Cat in Seattle

moniss

(7,767 posts)
31. Do everything possible to pull their masks off and get pictures
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:20 PM
Jun 11

so they can be tracked and identified.

ShazzieB

(21,217 posts)
34. Just thinking out loud here...
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:29 PM
Jun 11

Last edited Wed Jun 11, 2025, 08:44 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm always skeptical about internet rumors, just because I know the internet is like a giant game of telephone where things can easily get blown up and/or distorted out of proportion. So, imo, taking an unverified rumor with a grain of salt is usually a wise course of action. But assuming this one is true, here are my thoughts...

1. From what I'm hearing, there are around 1800 No Kings protests cheduled as of right now. That means there aren't nearly enough PBs to infiltrate all of them. If there are multiple white supremacist groups involved, that would change the calculus, but even so, I doubt that most of the protests will be affected, just based on sheer numbers.

2. That means they are going to have to choose which one(s) to target. If they show up at one of the really big protests in major cities (especially Philly, which is going to be the flagship event), they're more likely to make the news in a big way. But there will also be more police presence on hand to deal with them quickly.

3. If they show up at smaller protests, they'd probably have a significant impact in those localities but would be less likely to get the kind of mass media coverage I'm sure they want.

Considering all these factors, and assuming that media attention is a major motivation, I'm inclined to think they would focus on the bigger, major city protests, or maybe even just the one in Philly.

Personally, I'm going to be be at one of the more than two dozen protests scattered around the Chicago suburbs, rather than the big one in downtown Chicago. (The older I get, the more I tend to avoid gigantic crowds, and I know that one is going to be humongous.)

I'll won't be terribly surprised if there are PBs or other unpleasant counter protesters at the suburban protest I'm attending, and if they try to start anything, I plan to launch into "Give peace a Chance" at the top of my lungs (because it sends the right message and is easy to sing and familiar to just about everybody). But I won't be extremely surprised if nothing like that happens. Either way, I'll be prepared!

LauraInLA

(2,243 posts)
51. I'm sure with all the focus on LA and the fed presence already here, downtown is going to be a target if anyplace is.
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 05:59 PM
Jun 11

Torchlight

(5,203 posts)
37. I think the wight wing is intent on throwing chum into the water.
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:37 PM
Jun 11

And I think the admin intends to see violence happen regardless of peaceful behavior, flags, optics, or even rule of law.

SayItLoud

(1,766 posts)
39. And this:
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 02:44 PM
Jun 11

If there are piles of bricks, stones, marbles, etc. DON'T touch them or go near them. They are planted to provide items to stir violence.
Pass it on to all.

proud patriot

(102,162 posts)
52. It's called the sitdown wave
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 07:38 PM
Jun 11

it's in the tradition of Gahndi . Spread the word to those around you .

BurnDoubt

(874 posts)
55. Whodathunkit?
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 07:56 PM
Jun 11

They're slavering for the taste of Blood. This is quite possibly "The Storm" they've been brewing.
Not even thinly veiled anymore.
Krasnov has been baying to them.

GenThePerservering

(2,968 posts)
63. If you're taking videos (and all who can should try)
Wed Jun 11, 2025, 09:29 PM
Jun 11

please upload them to cloud storage, google drive, whatever in case your phone is lost, confiscated or whatever, you will not lose your evidence. It's fast and easy.

I will not be sitting down, that's crazy. I WILL be backing away and pointing if I see something, and say something.

murielm99

(32,176 posts)
68. Our leadership at the protest
Thu Jun 12, 2025, 08:24 AM
Jun 12

I want to attend has given us instructions. I will follow those instructions, and not some of the harebrained suggestions here.

We have been told not to engage. We can walk away from counter-protesters, not answer or converse with them. We can turn our backs.

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