8/09/2020: A Photo Story

At least 17 arrests were made at a counter protest to the “Silent No More — We Back Our Protectors” demonstration held by the Wind Therapy Freedom Riders motorcycle group.

By: Christa McWhirter

Austin Police Department deployed dozens of officers to mace and arrest several protesters after a sudden shift towards intolerance of megaphone usage.

APD keeps protesters and media a significant distance from the arrests.

Off-site street medics provide assistance for protesters after the altercation.

(Left) BLM counter-protesters had arrived at APD two hours earlier and were waiting for the bikers’ arrival. (Right) The Wind Therapy Freedom Riders (WTFrs) arrived at APD Headquarters at 4 p.m. for a “Silent No More — We Back Our Protectors” demonstration.

More WTFrs arrive at APD.

(Top left, Bottom right) A freelance photographer was detained for stepping of the sidewalk. (Top right, Bottom left) Two more protesters were taken into custody after, as one of them told the officers as they led her away, they “didn’t do anything. I barely cut the corner!”

Multiple WTFrs stood in the street, and even conversed with officers in the street, with no apprehensions by Austin Police Department.

(Left) Some protesters have been utilizing their 2nd Amendment since the shooting of Garrett Foster on July 25. (Right) BLM protesters brought their own “Back the Blue” flag to destroy.

(Left) Despite the close proximity, not altercations between protesters and WTFrs took place. (Right) Many protesters refer to police officers as “pigs.” Here, a man dressed as a pig and stood amongst the pro-police bikers.

(Left, Right) Two more BLM protesters were arrested for utilizing megaphones despite APD’s tolerance of them up until this point. (Middle)

During yet another BLM protester arrest, APD forcefully moved press away from the scene.

Although APD has insisted that they have ceased their usage of less-lethal rounds and tear gas, multiple officers were armed with semi-automatic rifles.

(Left) A BLM supporter attempted to speak to APD officers across the street from their headquarters about the apparent double standards being held towards the two groups. According to him, he was told not to cross the concrete barrier before they (Right) “looked across the street and we see all the ‘Back the Blue’ protesters shaking hands, standing with the cops, where I was originally told I couldn’t stand.”

Another apprehension took place when a BLM supporter came with a speaker to play music. He got no warning to silence the music before dozens of officers took him into custody.

After the counter protest broke up into two groups, some stayed behind to stand their ground in solidarity.