Supporters of President Trump wave a "Betsy Ross" flag, considered offensive with racist symbolism, during a protest in Washington, DC., on Saturday. Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images
Violent clashes erupted in Washington, D.C., and Washington state, after supporters of President Trump, many maskless despite face maskmandates, rallied Saturday, refusing to accept that President Trump lost the 2020 election.
The latest: In Olympia, Wash., police arrested two suspects and declared a riot after one person was shot during a face-off between Trump supporters and counter-protesters, per the New York Times.
The rally in D.C. was reported to be peaceful in the daytime, but clashes broke out at night between Trump supporters and counter-protesters. At least four people were hospitalized with stab wounds, the Washington Post reports. It wasn't immediately clear which protesters had been stabbed.
The Metropolitan Police Department told WRC-TV officers had arrested at least 26 people.
Members of the far-right Proud Boys attempted to march to D.C.'s Black Lives Matter Plaza, where counter-protesters gathered, but they were blocked by police. The Proud Boys and counter-protesters faced off at several points and some fights broke out.
Police earlier used pepper spray and their bikes to push counter-protesters back in D.C.
The big picture: Thirty-nine days after the election, President Trump continues to make baseless claims of voter fraud and refuses to concede to President-elect Joe Biden.
The Supreme Court handed Trump and his allies Friday their most significant legal defeat, rejecting a lawsuit that sought to invalidate 10 million votes in four battleground states.
Saturday's protest comes days before the Electoral College meets to vote for the president and vice president. Biden is expected to have 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232 votes. A candidate needs 270 to win.
The president tweeted Saturday morning: "Wow! Thousands of people forming in Washington [D.C.] for Stop the Steal. Didn't know about this, but I’ll be seeing them! #MAGA." He later flew on Marine One over the protests as he headed to the Army-Navy football game at West Point.
Of note: A similar protest saw a larger number of Trump supporters take to D.C. streets last month.
In photos: Trump supporters rally in D.C. and Washington state
Members of the Proud Boys kick a counter-protester on the ground in Washington, DC. Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty ImagesCounter-protesters dodge police munitions during clashes with Trump supporters in Olympia following a rally in the Washington State Capitol. Photo: David Ryder/Getty ImagesProud Boys members take to the streets of D.C. Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesTrump supporters near the Washington State Capitol. Photo: David Ryder/Getty ImagesSupporters of President Trump gather near Black Lives Matter Plaza. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty ImagesA counter-protester and Trump supporter face off in Olympia, Washington. Photo: David Ryder/Getty ImagesPolice officers use teargas canisters at Black Lives Matter Plaza in an attempt to disperse counter-protesters. Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesA Trump supporter receives aid from law enforcement personnel after clashing with counter-protesters during a rally in Olympia. Photo: David Ryder/Getty ImagesTrump supporters protest the outcome of the 2020 presidential election in Washington, D.C. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty ImagesA Trump supporter in Olympia, near the Washington State Capitol. Photo: David Ryder/Getty ImagesThousands flock to the U.S. Capitol to show their support for Trump. Photo: Jose Luis Magana/AFP via Getty Images. Members of the Proud Boys shout at counter-protesters, as D.C. police attempt to keep the groups apart. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty ImagesCounter-protesters stand together in Washington, D.C. Photo: Al Drago/Getty ImagesFormer national security advisor Michael Flynn delivers his first public remarks since Trump pardoned him in late November at the D.C. rally. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images Trump supporters hold a prayer vigil Saturday morning outside the U.S. Supreme Court. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty ImagesMembers of the Proud Boys march in support of Trump in D.C. Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty ImagesMany protesters did not adhere to a city-wide mask mandate, prompting concerns from D.C. residents. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty ImagesTrump supporters rally in front of the U.S. Capitol. Photo: Oliver Douliery/AFP via Getty Images Protesters gather on the National Mall to support Trump. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty ImagesA protester wears a Trump mask at the D.C. protest. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Editor's note: This article has been updated with more details and photos from the protests.
