The following reportback from the counter-demo to the Charlie Kirk vigil in Boston was anonymously submitted to us:

“This is a report back from the counterprotest of the Charlie Kirk vigil. As far as I know, no “official” white supremacist groups were present or in uniform beyond the police. Most were  white supremacist individuals. 

A small group of us (~50) headed toward the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment memorial (the first black regiment of the Civil War) where the vigil was being held. The police had set up fencing all around the perimeter at 2 pm, and multiple vans were on the common near the Frog Pond. We came in at around 7 pm to the entrance, which was quickly closed off upon our arrival. Like flies to apple cider vinegar, fascists came to yell, record, and watch us. Cops quickly descended to keep an eye on us. Onlookers watched us, and some even joined us. Other protesters on anarchist time caught up with us. 

After some time, we went around Tremont to the Statehouse to get closer to the speakers and vigil site. Unfortunately, we were pushed out by police, and they’re got handsy with us. I was pushed when I wasn’t going faster, despite telling them I was going as fast as I could. I almost tripped and fell into a parked car. We landed back at the Park St stop, still chanting. Fascists came around and tried to provoke us, and one kept grabbing our stuff, including my megaphone. He threw a pan onto the street, which created tensions. I believe there was a fight but I didn’t quite see it. 

We ended up going back to where we started, and we chanted some more. The cops followed us, stationing behind us. Fascists inside and out of the fence kept calling us names and chanting “We are Charlie Kirk” and singing “God Bless America.” Someone called to disperse despite people wanting to stay. I checked in make sure people were okay and were aware of what was happening. Men kept calling me a bitch and a cunt. Two anti fascists were at the front engaged in a verbal battle with some fascists. I stayed with them until they left. We regrouped halfway to the Frog Pond before officially dispersing. 

When tensions rose, the community did step in. Antifascists swarmed a fascist who was about to put his hands on a black person. People retrieved thrown items and checked in with others. However, unknown to the regular crowd, the medic team was tackled by police. I do not know much beyond this, as I learned about this after the fact. 

This protest was organized in less than 24 hours by local antifascist individuals. Opposition to this counterprotest was posted by 50501 on Facebook and Instagram. The organization, along with other bureaucratic “community” organizations, discouraged antifascist and presence at this vigil. 

This protest could have been stronger and longer, as I have stated. Had it been, it may have been closer to its goal. The goal, I have inferred, was to disrupt the vigil and make fascists scared.We succeeded in both. I do know they were enraged, bothered, and some even fawning to be “friends” and achieve “unity, not division.” Time is a foe and a friend; had we had more time to organize and plan, perhaps we could have been more than a pest and instead a disruption. I felt that our group was being swung at with a fly swatter by police from one location to another. However, after we left, the vigil was ordered to disperse by BPD, leading their 7-10 pm vigil to end one hour early.  

It enrages me that such groups like 50501 cannot show up when called upon for real resistance instead of state sanctioned parades and state approved speakers. Imagine what could have happened if liberal bureaucratic groups encouraged their followers and members to go to this event. Imagine if the event had the same numbers as the “No Kings” protests in June. Resistance includes facing fascists face to face and telling them to fuck off, lest they feel comfortable gathering in our community. 

We all must step up, liberal or not, with courage and strength. 

In solidarity,

an anonymous anarchist antifascist”