Roanoke, Texas, drag brunch draws armed clash

Armed protesters clashed with armed counter-protesters outdoors a drag brunch in Roanoke through the weekend.

Why it issues: That is one other signal that the prosperous suburbs have grow to be the entrance traces in America’s tradition struggle.

What occurred: A viral video taken by Dallas-based impartial journalist Steven Monacelli exhibits anti-trans activists with indicators suggesting the occasion, held at Anderson Distillery and Grill, “sexualized kids.”

• The protesters had been outnumbered by anti-fascist counter-protesters, a lot of whom wore masks and carried AR-15s.
• One protester within the video approached the armed counter-protesters, known as them names, then stated he’d been spit on.
• There have been no arrests, in accordance with the Dallas Morning Information.

The intrigue: The conflict rapidly grew to become a speaking level for nationwide conservative commentators alarmed by the presence of armed anti-fascists.

Flashback: After an analogous occasion at a bar in Dallas in June, some Texas lawmakers instructed banning minors from watching drag exhibits.

What they’re saying: “​​It was by no means my intention to host an occasion that might end in controversy, hate and divisiveness,” the distillery’s proprietor, Jay Anderson, wrote on Fb.

• “It’s my intention to welcome folks from ALL walks of life into Anderson Distillery & Grill.”