In Limiting Weapons, Officials Cut Fringe-Right Media Production Options
The threat of violence at these rallies and in the days afterward is real, and city officials have urged counterprotesters to stay away.
And under the guise of public safety, officials have quietly taken away the tools that make creating on-the-scene media easy for the fringe right. Media production is an essential component for their recruitment drives since it gives white supremacists and others the ability to portray themselves as a besieged, righteous movement fighting against liberals and the mainstream media. These videos are a key motivator in attending these chaotic rallies, and often fuel conspiracy theories used to deflect from criticism of violence.
Indeed, organizers of both Bay Area rallies said they chose the locations because of the powerful backdrops they provide.
Its beautiful, obviously, said Patriot Prayer organizer Gibson.
While officials couldnt stop these political actors from using their sets of choice, they have seriously curtailed their ability to record and livestream the action. In San Francisco, for example, selfie sticks, camera helmets, drones, tripods and large bags that often hold over-the-shoulder cameras would not be allowed in the demonstration area.
San Francisco officials negotiated with the National Park Service to ban these items. Mayor Lee said it was solely related to public safety.
We insisted on the highest levels of public safety, Lee said. And these things were used as weapons [at other rallies].
Yet, a real-world side consequence is that the fringe right wont be able to livestream their event and have both hands free to fight. San Francisco Board of Supervisors President London Breed said if the banned items mean its harder for the fringe right to broadcast themselves, then so be it.
These images continue to tear our country apart, Breed said. They want all eyes on them, which is why theyre doing what theyre doing.
