Antifa Members Charged after Attacking Trump Supporters and Dog
Far-left group charged with animal cruelty
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At least ten members of the violent far-left group Antifa have been charged with "violent criminal acts" after they attacked Trump supporters and a dog.
The defendants "allegedly attempted to obstruct a rally for former President Donald Trump in San Diego on Jan. 9," the charges state.
The members sought to take "direct action" against the "Patriot March," the San Diego County District Attorney's Office said.
"Direct action" refers to "acts of violence such as assault, battery, assault with deadly weapons, arson, and vandalism."
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"Video evidence analysis shows that overwhelmingly the violence in this incident was perpetrated by the Antifa affiliates and was not a mutual fray with both sides crossing out of lawful First Amendment expression into riot and violence," said District Attorney Summer Stephan.
Seven of the alleged perpetrators were arraigned and accused of using items like sticks and pepper spray to attack Trump supporters.
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Several more altercations between the counter-protestors and others at the Boardwalk.
— Sean Carmitchel (@ACatWithNews) January 10, 2021
The counter-protestors shout “Proud Boy Killer,” as several people are chased out of the area. pic.twitter.com/UzczqlREtP
The video was captured and posted to social media of the violence allegedly carried out by the defendants.
In the video, the far-left group can be seen pepper-spraying Trump supporters and throwing objects.
Antifa members also beat a woman to the ground as she covered her face while being beaten and stomped on.
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Another video shows an Antifa member using pepper spray to attack a man and his dog.
According to court documents, he was later charged with assault with a deadly weapon and animal cruelty.
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According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the case is the first to use conspiracy charges against the Antifa members.
The Washington Examiner reported:
The conspiracy began Jan. 2 when the defendants liked and shared a social media post that called for the counterprotest, "in essence agreeing to take part in the 'direct action.' Others agreed by showing up in Pacific Beach on January 9th, 2021, and participating in the violence," the complaint stated.
White; Luis Francisco Mora, 30; Joseph Austin Gaskins, 21; Faraz Martin Talab, 27; Bryan Rivera, 21; Brian Lightfoot, 25; and Jesse Merel Cannon, 31, were arraigned Monday, according to the District Attorney's Office.
According to the report, Alexander Akridge-Jacobs, 31; Christian Martinez, 23; and Samuel Ogden, 24, also face charges, and a $250,000 arrest warrant has been issued for Erich Yach, 37.
