President Donald Trump

Houston activists spotted with guns protesting Capitol riots

Thursday, January 7, 2021
They were seen in downtown Houston armed with guns saying it was for self-defense and called the riots "absolutely heinous."
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A group of activists held a demonstration in downtown Houston Thursday afternoon calling the riots at Capitol Hill "absolutely heinous."

About a dozen activists stood in front of the Leland Federal Building on Smith Street calling out President Donald Trump for his response to the riots and protests. Several demonstrators were seen armed, calling it "self-defense."
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Images from January 6, 2021
As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Trump. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)none
Papers and gas masks are left behind after members left the floor of the House chamber as protesters try to break into the chamber at the Capitol. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)none
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
A demonstrator has his eyes flushed with water after confronting police, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
Trump supporters rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
A protester is shown injured during a confrontation with police during a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
People run in the halls as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
A police officer has eyes flushed with water after a confrontation with demonstrators, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)none
U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.AP
A protester is seen inside the Senate chamber after dozens of pro-Trump supported breached security perimeters at the Capitol.none
Police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
Police hold off Trump supporters who tried to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
House of Representatives members leave the floor of the House chamber as protesters try to break into the chamber at the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)none
U.S. Capitol Police try to hold back protesters outside the east doors to the House side of the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none


"We've seen in the last five years how Trump has mobilized all sorts of factious [supporters] ... they come out in Houston from time to time armed and dangerous, we're here to basically defend ourselves," said Dr. David Michael Smith, one of the organizers and member of Houston United Front Against Fascism.

One woman was fatally shot by police during the storming of the Capitol, and authorities said three others died of medical conditions.

President Trump, for the first time, acknowledged his defeat in the Nov. 3 election and announced there would be an "orderly transition on January 20th" after Congress concluded the electoral vote count early Thursday certifying President-elect Joe Biden's victory.
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Trump on Wednesday had encouraged his supporters to march on the Capitol to protest lawmakers' actions, and later appeared to excuse the violent occupation of the Capitol by the mob, which forced its way inside, clashed with police and ransacked offices.

"These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long," Trump wrote in a message that was later deleted by Twitter. He added, "Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!"

READ MORE: President Trump says his term is ending, transition will be orderly

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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