
Photo courtesy of Steven Monacelli
Armed protesters clashed with armed counter-protesters outside a drag brunch in Roanoke during the weekend.
Why it matters: This is another sign that the affluent suburbs have become the front lines in America's culture war.
What happened: A viral video taken by Dallas-based independent journalist Steven Monacelli shows anti-trans activists with signs suggesting the event, held at Anderson Distillery and Grill, "sexualized children."
- The protesters were outnumbered by anti-fascist counter-protesters, many of whom wore masks and carried AR-15s.
- One protester in the video approached the armed counter-protesters, called them names, then said he'd been spit on.
- There were no arrests, according to the Dallas Morning News.
The intrigue: The clash quickly became a talking point for national conservative commentators alarmed by the presence of armed anti-fascists.
Flashback: After a similar event at a bar in Dallas in June, some Texas lawmakers suggested banning minors from watching drag shows.
- In a statement this month, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said the Dallas bar might have to pay a sexually oriented business fee.
What they're saying: "ββIt was never my intention to host an event that would result in controversy, hate and divisiveness," the distillery's owner, Jay Anderson, wrote on Facebook.
- "It is my intention to welcome people from ALL walks of life into Anderson Distillery & Grill."

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