SOUTHLAKE — When more than a hundred Republicans gathered for a rally at an open amphitheater in this North Texas suburb recently, a modest group of activists dressed in white doctors' coats dragged body bags across the lawn.
The small group, part of a local chapter of the progressive nonprofit Indivisible, stood in silence holding a banner that read: “Republican COVID Superspreader Event."
Since President Donald Trump was elected in 2016, mega political rallies, protests and counterdemonstrations have become commonplace — from the Women’s March to Black Lives Matter to parades of boats and SUVs waving Trump flags.
The events have inspired unparalleled participation in the American democratic experiment and turned up the volume on dangerous political rhetoric that has, in a few cases, led to fatal violence.
As Election Day approaches amid the specter of political violence, leaders across the spectrum are calling for peace, even as there is fresh evidence that the town square will not go quiet after votes are cast.
Local organizers behind this summer’s large protests focused on racism and policing are planning a rally Nov. 4 at Dallas City Hall, regardless of the outcome on Election Day.
It’s part of the national “Protect the Vote" coalition made up of progressive groups such as the Sierra Club, the National LGBTQ Task Force and unions.
The tone of the event may be celebratory — if former Vice President Joe Biden wins the White House. Or, it may be a call for action if Trump gets another four more years. Organizers are also prepping for the possibility a winner has not been declared. In that case, the protest’s message will focus on election integrity.
“We will have every scenario in our mind planned out, and we will have a call to action for our communities,” said Mercedes Fulbright, organizing director for the Texas Working Families Party.
What is unknown and a top concern among officials, organizers and political party leaders is whether these demonstrations will remain peaceful.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson on Thursday met with local, state and federal law enforcement to discuss their plans to keep the peace. As previously reported, there is no credible threat of violence.
“We walked away with confidence that they’re prepared,” said Tristan Hallman, the mayor’s spokesman. “All eyes are on this. We’re hopeful this week’s meeting was just an exercise.”
The Dallas Police Department, in an earlier memo to the City Council, said it will be fully staffed. Additionally, police have developed a plan for downtown because of its proximity to American Airlines Center, the area’s largest polling place.
“Operational plans have been developed that address supporting election site security, maintaining the ability of individuals to access polling locations, and providing a safe environment for individuals desiring to exercise their First Amendment Rights,” according to the memo from Jon Fortune, assistant city manager.
Gov. Greg Abbott this week ordered the National Guard to be on alert and stand ready to assist local law enforcement.
Lee Daugherty, an organizer with the North Texas Democratic Socialists of America who was one of 674 protesters trapped on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge on June 1, said he hopes law enforcement will keep the peace.
A federal injunction barring police from using less-lethal weapons or projectiles to control nonthreatening crowds is in place until Nov. 16.
“No one wants a repeat of mass arrests or anything like that,” Daugherty said. “That’s not something you plan for. That’s not something anyone in movements goes after. It’s bad for people. It’s dangerous.”
Protests in Dallas and the rest of North Texas sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Black man killed by Minneapolis police earlier this year, have been largely peaceful.
However, there have been isolated incidents of opposing factions clashing. In late August, 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse was charged with fatally shooting two people in Kenosha, Wis. And Michael Forest Reinoehl, 48, shot and killed a Trump supporter in Portland before he was later killed in a standoff with police.
Dallas has seen its share of skirmishes. In September, Black activist Dominique Alexander tangled with event security during a conservative rally at Main Street Garden. The incident was caught on tape and shared by Trump on social media.
Alexander is planning a protest in Arlington the Saturday after the election that will focus on local police issues.
“We have to continue to make sure our voices are loud,” he said.
Alexander said his event will have security and hopes peace is maintained.
“Everybody has a right to demonstrate,” he said. “They do not have the right to assault anyone. We will have interveners. And we ask and encourage people to stay on the mission.”
It’s unclear how conservative groups will respond after the election.
Julie McCarty, CEO of the True Texas Project, formally the Northeast Tarrant Tea Party, posted on social media looking for someone to teach basic first aid for its tactical training and preparation project.
McCarty declined in an email to answer questions about that Facebook post or other post-election plans.
“True Texas Project is and has always been all about educating voters. We believe once voters have knowledge, they will do what is right,” she wrote in an email.
Jason Van Dyke, a former lawyer for the Proud Boys group, said he is not expecting violence.
“Whatever happens on Nov. 3, I just hope everyone remains calm, no one gets hurt, nothing gets burned down.”
Members of the Proud Boys are often loyal Trump supporters. They are known for their clashes with their ideological opponents at political events.
Allen West, Texas Republican Party chairman, declined to address violence sparked by conservative groups, and echoing Trump, said the left is inciting rage.
“I’ve only seen one side acting with violence,” he said.
Gilberto Hinojosa, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, leader also distanced himself from far-left groups such as antifa, calling them “a few fringe people” and “fiction made up by Donald Trump.”
“We believe this nation has a rich history of peaceful protests, and that’s all right,” he said. “We’re very much opposed to mob violence that would jeopardize people and property.
"We won’t stand for that.”
