Hundreds of pro-Trump activists descend on D.C. for 'Mother of All Rallies'

WASHINGTON — Hundreds of pro-Trump activists gathered on the National Mall Saturday in what they said was a show of American patriotism and celebration.

“We’re here to support our president and this country,” said Sue Babinec, who traveled to Washington from Cincinnati for what organizers dubbed the “Mother of All Rallies.”

U.S. Park Police braced for a crowd of as many as 3,000 people. As the event opened, there were perhaps only 1,000 people gathered just north of the Washington Monument where organizers set up a stage and booths for the day’s activities.

If the crowd lacked the projected strength, they made up for it in show, with many participants decked out in pro-Trump garb and carrying American flags.

“As soon as they announced it, I knew I had to be here,” said Dana Robinson, of Pittsburgh, as she weaved her way through the crowd in patchwork dress of Trump photos.

Trump is “one of us she said,” Robinson said. “He’s an every man’s president … He’s doing great with no help from any of the Republicans.”

The event’s speakers were set to include Marco Gutierrez, the co-founder of Latinos For Trump, and Hamody Jasim, the author of The Terrorist Whisperer and an Iraqi-born man who worked with American military in that country.

The rally also drew a few counter protestors, including Matthew Murguia, 52, from the Washington suburbs, who arrived with a sign that said “Mexico will pay for impeachment hearings.”

Murguia said he came to the rally to “remind these people that their president, my president, is a liar.”

More: This is why the Juggalos are marching on Washington

Meanwhile, followers of the hip-hop group Insane Clown Posse — aka Juggalos — are holding a march Saturday on the National Mall, alleging discrimination after the FBI labeled the group a gang in a 2011 report.

The band, consisting of the duo Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, said the gang accusation “has resulted in hundreds if not thousands of people subjected to various forms of discrimination, harassment, and profiling simply for identifying as a Juggalo.” In a video on the their website, the hip-hop artists claim their fans have lost jobs, custody of their children and been denied access to the military for their Juggalo affiliation.

The event begins at 2 p.m. Saturday in front of the Lincoln Memorial and ends with an Insane Clown Posse performance. The group has told its followers not to destroy property or come intoxicated.

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