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Pro-Trump rally at Colorado’s Capitol fails to materialize

Despite claims by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies that pro-Trump rallies would be staged at state Capitols around the country, barely a handful of Trump supporters showed up at the Colorado state Capitol Sunday.

One rally, “Refuse to be Silenced,” was called a “trap” by the Facebook page dedicated to recalling Gov. Jared Polis. Even the group that routinely holds rallies on Sundays at the Capitol, the Colorado Election Integrity Project, was nowhere to be seen.

Most of the afternoon, reporters and photojournalists outnumbered those who support President Trump by about five to one. A handful of counterprotesters did show up.

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The most telling sign: a Denver Police swat vehicle, with about a dozen officers hanging off the side, drove by just once.

A lone protester stands on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. President Donald Trump supporters called for protesters to gather at the 50 state capitols Sunday at noon to protest the election of Joe Biden. Only a few showed up in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)
A lone protester stands on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. President Donald Trump supporters called for protesters to gather at the 50 state capitols Sunday at noon to protest the election of Joe Biden. Only a few showed up in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)

The state Capitol was buttoned up, surrounded by chain link fencing; most state buildings surrounding the Capitol were boarded up, including the Ralph Carr Justice Center.

Larry Wadall of Denver was among the handful who showed up at the Capitol on Sunday to show his support for the president, including for a run for president in 2024. “I figured there’d be more than this,” he said.

Wadall said the president didn’t tell supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. “We’re about peace,” he said.

Colorado State Patrolmen drive past the Colorado State Capitol in Denver Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. President Donald Trump supporters called for protesters to gather at the 50 state capitols Sunday at noon to protest the election of Joe Biden. Only a few showed up in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)
Colorado State Patrolmen drive past the Colorado State Capitol in Denver Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. President Donald Trump supporters called for protesters to gather at the 50 state capitols Sunday at noon to protest the election of Joe Biden. Only a few showed up in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)
One of a handful of pro-Trump protesters at the state Capitol, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. (MarianneGoodlandChief legislative reportermarianne.goodland@coloradopolitics.comhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/125a14b7bd9266f61a445ec13b1d3605?s=100&d=mm&r=g)
One of a handful of pro-Trump protesters at the state Capitol, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. (MarianneGoodlandChief legislative reportermarianne.goodland@coloradopolitics.comhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/125a14b7bd9266f61a445ec13b1d3605?s=100&d=mm&r=g)
A poster allegedly advertising a Jan. 17 rally at the state Capitol. Pro-Trump supporters called it a trap.
A poster allegedly advertising a Jan. 17 rally at the state Capitol. Pro-Trump supporters called it a trap.


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