The right-wing, mainly identifying as Proud Boys, had pro Trump rallies the last two weekends. On December 5th, they shot a counterprotester, who has recovered.

Last Saturday, December 12th, the Proud Boy types had a “Trump won the election rally” at the State Capitol in Olympia. They had at most 100 people.

We, the Counter Protesters, Goodnight Fascism, had 200 plus people. Both sides were armed. The Proud Boys were defeated but as they were leaving, they shot one of us, a courageous 20 year old Black man, who was operated on and I believe is recovering, but is still hospitalized.

After about 90 minutes of skirmishing and some fighting, police in riot gear, including a SWAT team and a military vehicle showed up. This was before the shooting by the person wearing a MAGA hat, Forest Machala. There were Olympia Police, Thurston County Sheriffs and State Police. They surrounded us and fired tear gas and flash bangs. For a while we were surrounded on all sides before we found a path to retreat. The police were much more aggressive against us than they were against the right-wingers.

Besides getting some tear gas and being hit by a flash bang grenade from the sheriffs, I fell on a very muddy incline on Washington State property. I pulled a muscle in my leg from falling but it is minor and will be fine.

The Proud Boys say they are coming back again to Olympia. They and other fascists will not go away. It is important we also have large protests against them to isolate them more.

In solidarity, Peter

If you want to contribute to pay for hospital expenses of John, who was shot, download Venmo or cashapp app and send it to @unlimitedhands