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At the lovely Marcus-David Peters Circle for a “press conference” held by the not-so-lovely, disavowed @BLM757 group. They claim they will be discussing the events Saturday night, Mike Dunn, and The Boogaloo Bois.
This thread goes into some of the reasons this particular chapter and it’s leader, Aubrey “Japharii” Jones, has been disavowed by the national BLM movement: https://twitter.com/jodycapt/status/1288543554760052740?s=21
Alex is live-tweeting this as well: https://twitter.com/AlexOxford3/status/1288616242899750912
Japharii Jones and Mike Dunn are both present. Here’s some background on Dunn: https://twitter.com/goadgatsby/status/1285701953784356864?s=21
A group of ~50 has formed around the seven people hosting this “press conference.” Many in the crowd are heckling the two men mentioned above, and asking media why they’re talking to them.
Mike Dunn says that neither he nor @BLM757 were responsible for the filers sent out about Saturday’s protest. I wouldn’t take his word for anything, but this confirms information I heard first-hand at the time.
@ArtBurton_ and a man who I believe is the uncle of Marcus-David Peters tell Japharii they don’t need him and the bad attention he brings to protests in Richmond. He says, “we’re prepared to die for the cause, we don’t need your ‘protection.’”
A group of three women street medics are grilling a member of BLM757 about their peace policing on Saturday. The man they are speaking to says he would lay hand on anyone who threw a rock at a window. “*That’s* violence” one of the medics exclaims.
A woman is speaking to organizers with @381movement, trying to convince them to not associate with Japharii. She’s been to protests in Norfolk that he hijacked for a photo op, then dipped when the police showed up—exactly what happened Saturday.
There’s a lot of cyclical arguments about who “brought” who on Saturday, but a reoccurring theme is how angry the 757 people get at the idea of property damage. It would be weird except that I know that’s the norm for 2A rights groups.
Oh. I was about to head out but I’ll wait and see what happens. Thanks for the heads up @itsLazzaro_ ! https://twitter.com/itslazzaro_/status/1288638315571314688?s=21
So far... nothing. Dunn and his 757 buddies are hanging out on the median on Monument right outside the Circle. They’re currently kneeling in a huddle, with a few people on guard. I think these people really believe they’re constantly in a war zone. Looks exhausting to me.
Japharii and two others split off from the group and ate talking in front of three vehicles parked on North Allen. In the lead is a red Jeep, followed by two SUVs. I can’t get plate numbers from here.
As I was typing this, the rest of the group joined them by the vehicles.
As I was typing this, the rest of the group joined them by the vehicles.
I did hear one of them say the word “police.” I kinda think if they were coming, they’d be here already, though.
Just a bunch of armed cosplayers waiting for a ride home like they’re in an after-school club.
(One of the young men playing basketball called me “queen,” so I think I’m high on gender euphoria—please forgive any silliness)
They’ve split into two groups and headed in opposite directions down Monument. I think I’m going to call it a night here. I have clips from earlier I may or may not upload when I get home.
Stay safe, Richmond!
Stay safe, Richmond!
