ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights took a political turn Thursday night as supporters of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists held a rally on the city’s central plaza.
Confederate flags and chants of “let’s go Brandon” could be seen and heard by tourists passing by on the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolly.
One woman who asked not to be named said she was there to support Capitol rioters who are in prison.
"We're standing for the Patriots that are, on Jan. 6, that were incarcerated. They're not allowed to have their freedom," she said. "They're not allowed their rights. They're only allowed two hours a day outside. They are incarcerated illegally. These young men are incarcerated, and they need help to get out and representation. So God bless America."
The woman was distributing flyers seeking to raise funds for local insurrectionists facing criminal penalties.
St. Augustine has been the target of far right protesters since the removal of two Confederate statues downtown in 2020. The protests have at times turned violent. Thursday's protest was peaceful, but some in attendance angrily confronted media, claiming a reporter was secretly aligned with Antifa.
"Get the f*** out of here you piece of trash," said one man. Another hinted at violence. "Come out to the woods," he shouted.
At least one man said while he supported the cause of the protesters, he disagreed with their prominent use of the Confederate flag. Saying he was originally from Indiana, he was taught the flag was as racist symbol and recognized it was offensive to many. As protesters began yelling at media, he explained he was leaving because things were "getting out of hand."
