Is Antifa a gang? Trial in street brawl at pro-Trump rally opens a landmark legal test
Will Carless
USA TODAY

The trial of two men, charged in a 3-year-old street brawl in a California beach town, could soon reshape the image of one of the most debated political movements in America: Antifa.

Opening arguments Tuesday laid out conflicting views about the roles Brian Lightfoot and Jeremy White played in a heated protest in the San Diego neighborhood of Pacific Beach on Jan. 9, 2021, three days after the Capitol insurrection.

That day, far-right protesters ended up in a string of violent brawls with anti-fascist counterprotesters. Prosecutors, however, focused solely on Antifa, charging 11 defendants with dozens of felonies.

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Seeking Violence or Countering Fascists? Pacific Beach Riot Jury Hears 2 Scenarios
by Ken Stone | Times of San Diego

...Lightfoot and White are the last of 11 original defendants. Nine pleaded guilty, and one is nearly done serving a prison sentence.

...Judge Daniel Goldstein ruled earlier — out of earshot of jurors — that the defense couldn’t mention “Proud Boys” and “Three Percenters” as being among the rally-goers.

...But defense attorneys argued the case opens the door for conspiracy allegations against anyone who protests against fascism, or even dresses in black. “It has a chilling effect on political expression,” said attorney John Hamasaki, who is representing Lightfoot.

Of 11 original defendants, nine made deals with prosecutors. White and Lightfoot, represented by activist attorneys, took the case to trial, stressing its importance not just to them, but to protesters against fascism across the country.

A gang-style conspiracy conviction could effectively double any prison sentence. If successful, it could be used as a blueprint for prosecutors across the country, according to legal experts. It could also bolster a right-wing political narrative...

Among the two dozen people in Courtroom 1901’s gallery was Tasha Williamson, the social justice crusader who once ran for mayor of San Diego.

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“We were minding our business because the courtroom hadn’t opened yet. Wуrіck lunged out of his seat and said, ‘Hey Tasha, I’m here, just for you. You’ve been talking shit,'" she said.
Tasha continued, “I found out that Wуrіck is the president of the American Gսard SoCal chapter here in San Diego. He has been involved in a number of violent incidents at protests here in San Diego.”

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