As nation braces for armed protests, Arizona showcases how First and Second amendments intersect — or collide
John D'Anna, Arizona Republic
Last week, as insurrectionists stormed the seat of democracy, a smaller crowd – nowhere near as violent but just as angry – gathered at the Arizona Capitol to protest the results of the 2020 presidential election. Many were armed.
In September, more than 300 counter-protesters, many carrying AR-15s and side arms, showed up at a Black Lives Matter rally in Prescott, saying they intended to protect their community from rioting and looting.
And earlier last summer, four men armed with assault-style weapons showed up in downtown Mesa under the guise of protecting local businesses during street protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd.