At least 10 Antifa members were charged in San Diego this week for attacking several Trump supporters earlier this year.
The Antifa members “allegedly attempted to obstruct a rally for former president Donald Trump in San Diego on Jan. 9” and engaged in “violent criminal acts,” according to the charges filed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. They took “direct action” against the Trump supporters, which included “acts of violence such as assault, battery, assault with deadly weapons, arson, and vandalism.”
“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,” District Attorney Summer Stephan said.
At least seven of the 10 Antifa activists were accused of using flagpoles, sticks, and pepper spray to attack the Trump supporters. One activist even threw a wooden lawn chair at the pro-Trump parade.
Seconds later, another fight: I can’t confidently report at this time the beginning of this conflict.
A small fight begins. Then, counter protestor yells “get out of here you f—- fascist” shortly after the man goes towards the crowd and pepper spray is deployed. pic.twitter.com/NtJZHCAOK1
— Sean Carmitchel (@ACatWithNews) January 10, 2021
One of the activists, Jonathan White, 39, was seen using high-powered pepper spray to attack a Trump supporter and his dog. He has been charged with conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon, use of tear gas not in self-defense, and animal cruelty.
White and six of the other defendants — 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 on Monday.
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.