‘Unite the Right 2’: Scenes From the Front Lines of the Fight Against American Fascism

The (Un-)United Right Comes to Washington. Only about two dozen demonstrators took part in Sunday’s “white civil rights rally” dubbed “Unite the Right 2.” They were met by thousands of counterprotesters on the anniversary of last year’s deadly “Unite the Right” protest in Charlottesville, Va. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Law enforcement cleared out the entrance to the Foggy Bottom Metro Station as hundreds waited outside for the white supremacists to emerge. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Jason Kessler, the organizer of “Unite the Right 2,” took out a permit for 400 people to attend this year’s rally. Approximately two dozen showed up. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

One of the white nationalists emerges from the Metro station. Hundreds of Metro law enforcement escorted the group throughout the day. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

The white nationalist group marched for over a mile and was surrounded by police, journalists and an ever-growing number of protesters. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Law enforcement escorts white nationalist rally group to Pennsylvania Avenue. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

A year ago in Charlottesville, few white nationalists covered their faces, but, here, in D.C., most of the white nationalists attempted to conceal their identities. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

The police were hands-on with journalists throughout the day—shoving, grabbing and using bicycles as weapons. Cops have taken up the practice of picking up bicycles sideways and holding them between themselves and protesters, sometimes forcefully pushing the bikes into a line of people. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Counterprotesters filled the sidewalks and the streets as the white nationalists neared the White House. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

After the white nationalists were safely behind the police barricades in Lafayette Park, hundreds of antifa, anarchists and abolitionists mobilized a black bloc. A black bloc is considered a tactic, not a group, counterprotesters said. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

More than 200 protesters joined the black bloc. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Those taking part in the black bloc tactic move toward Pennsylvania Avenue. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Counterprotesters thought the white supremacists would exit the same way they entered. They began to build a barricade with shopping carts and other items. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Others locked arms, preparing for law enforcement to charge. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

The lull before the storm—literally and figuratively, as thunder and rain would begin rolling in and the Secret Service strategized over how to push the group out of the way. At this event, they mobilized more officers in formation behind police lines. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Secret Service members made a charge at the black bloc and attempted to push their way through. The attempt failed. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Objects such as water bottles and eggs were thrown at the D.C. Metro Police and the Secret Service. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Those participating in a black bloc are typically not fond of having their pictures taken. Somehow, taking this selfie/group shot was OK. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

There were unconfirmed reports an alternative exit for the white nationalists was made because the intended exit was blocked. Infighting among counterprotesters briefly occurred. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

The rally ended before 5:30 p.m., which was the time it was to begin. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)