The speech was what most of us had been expecting. We definitely took note of the "peacefully protest" comments throughout. Prior to even leaving for the trip, we made sure to send a group email discussing how our only purpose in going was to peacefully protest and document the events of the day with video footage, pictures and eyewitness observations. We had a hunch that this could easily be a set up for a false flag...we had no idea how true that hunch would prove to be. As the speech was winding down, we had a bit of a dilemma. Some members of our now expanded group were showing obvious signs of fatigue and serious symptoms of possible frost bite. We had agreed not to separate but hadn't anticipated this development. The decision was made that I along with a few others would head back to the hotel and make sure those that needed to rest and get warm arrived safely. I'll get back to my part of the story in a moment. The rest of our group made a b-line for the Capital building. And I mean they HUSTLED. Well out in front of the pack of people leaving the speech to head for the Capital building. As they approached the large lawn area before reaching the Capital, they observed a LARGE crowd already formed near the bleachers at the back of the building. They took note as they could not believe anyone could have beaten them there from where the speech took place. In fact, fencing (flimsy plastic with wooden posts) was already torn down and it appeared police lines were well established at different points leading up to the rear of the Capital. People dressed as Trump supporters turned to the approaching rally attendees and shouted, "Fill in the gaps Patriots, their attacking us!" That's when the first tear gas and concussive grenades hit. I will reiterate that this is my recollection of others accounts as I was not present for this part. Panic and anger ensued. Some people just froze, while others pushed into metal barricades and others turned to escape the gas. Agitators in the crowd continued to shout, "This is our house!" and called for the crowd to push forward. At this time, I was just arriving at our hotel room when I got a text from those who had gone to the Capital. "We just got tear gassed!" I quickly turned to the TV where it was all unfolding from a very specific angle on the news.
I will try to continue Part 5 tomorrow frens
Can't wait for part 5