
Nationwide protests swept America today, as a teenager-led protest against the epidemic of mass shootings.
But as with most protests, there were counter-protests. Gun-lovers in red Trump hats showed up at many of the rallies carrying AR-15s and sidearms, an effort they dubbed "March For Our Guns."
A search of social media finds images of heavily armed people—including Utahans in a military-style vehicle with a mounted machine gun—showing up to rallies.
And yet none have reported to have been marred by violence and the speakers were not intimidated.
Here are some of the counter-protestors who showed up around the country.
A man in Austin showed up carrying a gun, a Gadsden flag and apparently wearing ear protection so he wouldn't hear what the people he came to protest had to say.
Open carry dude crashing the #MarchforOurLives in Austin. Think he came to listen? https://t.co/iTp0fDyURl— Matt Valentine (@Matt Valentine) 1521922493.0
Another man showed up in Austin with an AR-15.
In Fort Worth, police surrounded a counter-protestor taunting children using a megaphone.
Fort Worth Police have formed a protective circle around 2 counter protesters using a microphone to disrupt the cit… https://t.co/SfC2d7Qi2y— J.D. Miles (@J.D. Miles) 1521903402.0
In Boston, police also surrounded the right-wing counter protestors as they made their way around the rally.
Counter-protesters exit the #MarchForOurLives rally. Throughout the entire rally police officers surrounded them, u… https://t.co/0AH4uRxJFV— Javier Rodriguez (@Javier Rodriguez) 1521930543.0
In Phoenix, a man with an AR-15 said that if the teens attack, "I will attack back."
Counter protestors are out here in Arizona. One man brought an AR-15 and says he plans to be peaceful but said “if… https://t.co/dzzp4SbKh8— Briana Whitney (@Briana Whitney) 1521912987.0
In Salt Lake City, the counter-protestors favored sidearms.
At a #MarchForOurLives counter-protest in Salt Lake City, some demonstrators were armed: @sltrib… https://t.co/pT3BY6s6bu— The Trace (@The Trace) 1521930820.0
Some counter-protestors in Salt Lake City wore masks.
At a #MarchForOurLives counter-protest in Salt Lake City, some demonstrators were armed: @sltrib… https://t.co/pT3BY6s6bu— The Trace (@The Trace) 1521930820.0
Some in Utah also had military-style vehicles mounted with machine guns.
A counter-protest to the #MarchForOurLives event in Utah, where protesters are calling for armed teachers and speak… https://t.co/E4R1s8rJbo— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeed News) 1521910058.0
In Pennsylvania, a man showed up with an assault rifle and his dog—the dog's head was hung low.
At a #MarchForOurLives march in Greensburg, PA. I wonder who this gentleman is & what his family, friends, colleagu… https://t.co/7ceinkYk4L— TXWomenRESIST (@TXWomenRESIST) 1521918590.0
In El Paso a small group of counter-protestors included a girl in a pink hoodie who did not appear to be completely thrilled to have her photograph taken.
Small group of counter protesters from #OCT (Open Carry Texas) here at San Jacinto for the #MarchForOurLives https://t.co/1Z9qcTlobV— KTSM 9 News (@KTSM 9 News) 1521931280.0