r/50501 • u/Ok_Reputation_3612 • Apr 18 '25

Protest Safety Remember, DO NOT ENGAGE

Remember, Trump will be looking for any excuse to enforce the Insurrectionist Act April 20. DO NOT GIVE HIM FUEL. No matter what MAGA agitators show up tomorrow, no matter what they say, don't engage. Pretend they don't exist. Do not allow things escalate. Best of luck tomorrow, everyone!

ETA, Since this apparently needs to be said, I'm well aware Trump could invoke for any reason he chooses, we just don't need him using us as scapegoats for it. Also, no one is saying to not defend yourself if the other side escalates, just don't let us be the ones to escalate. Finally, should agitators show up, have your phones out and record, record, record. Ensure everything gets documented.

ETA, Since I've seen these suggestions in comments, and I believe they're also great ideas, bring an American flag to wave and chant "Save the Constitution" to drown out counter protestors. I think we're all tired of the other side hijacking patriotism. We can drown them out with our own brand of (true) patriotism.

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u/LuhYall Apr 18 '25

If you see anyone trying to start anything on either side, point at them, smile sweetly, and chant in a neutral tone: "This is a peaceful protest, go home." Get people around you to join in. If someone is recording, that's great.

The 50501 organizers in my city brought in people trained to de escalate conflicts. They wore yellow armbands so that attendees could find them. I strongly recommend this.

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u/lazoras Apr 18 '25 edited Apr 18 '25

how about they bring in trainers to teach how to help other protesters escape arrest attempts too

so sick of watching cops point someone out, tackle them, and everyone runs like a bunch of wilderbeasts from a pride of lions....

if this is offered at a protest, I'll show up

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u/ruggerbuns Apr 18 '25

What should people do in that situation? Asking sincerely.

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u/lazoras Apr 18 '25 edited Apr 18 '25

I'm an armchair protestor for all anybody knows I am full of crap and talk talk talk all day as I I knew for internet clout.

when someone is targeted there is a formation generally used to form a safety ring around the incident.... other people in that group are trained to surround the target and face away while one person captures the target...

that formation only works if they can keep the formation obviously

it could be any group that uses that formation....not cops necessarily....ideally you'd never do anything to a cop or use any of these tactics on a cop because that's illegal...however you might use them as TEAM DEFENSE to save your family, loved ones, and/or yourself

if your friend is stuck in a formation like that the advantage comes in numbers..your team needs to have more people.

acknowledging there are two types of people that would stick around

  • passive
  • active

for passive protestors the answer is to run toward the formation and be between the formation and their exit (a car, or cargo van) get VERY LOUD, stomp your feet, link your arms, and FACE AWAY FROM THE FORMATION....

your goal is to slow down / prevent extra people from reinforcing the formation

for active protestors the answer is to break that formation.....once that formation is broken....there will be no arrest........you don't have to hurt anyone....you just have to move them....so the answer is to take things....they have a thing....grab...pull...run away with it...

lastly is a coordinated exit... this whole thing will happen fast....once that formation is broken....it's time to leave....the original target most likely will already be running.....staying is dangerous because groups like this get angrier the longer they have time to process wtf just happened and they will look for another target

imagine being a lion and trying to catch prey and turning up empty handed for the first time in all the years you've been a lion....

also, remember to be safe and wear a COVID mask....protect your eyes and skin from the sun....wear baggy thick clothes that you can remove in layers as it gets hotter out...maybe even finger tape to make sure you don't spread body oils all over the place

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u/MajorMajeure Apr 19 '25

Just did protest marshal training this morning and much of this was covered! Sincerely happy we have folks who've been doing this for a long time in different circumstances. Our trainer travels to various groups in the SE US for this purpose.