Juggalos march in Washington to protest ‘gang’ label by FBI
Tattooed, pierced and wearing clown make-up, hundreds of fans of the rap-metal group Insane Clown Posse gather to protest the FBI’s labelling the fan base a gang in 2011
Wearing piercings and horror make-up, a thousand fans of controversial US rap group “Insane Clown Posse” descended on Washington, alleging discrimination since the FBI labelled them gang members in a 2011 report.
With its extravagantly dressed participants, many adorned with tattoos and piercings, the “Juggalo March” was an offbeat addition to the regular political rallies staged in the capital.
Saturday also saw a rightwing demonstration by supporters of President Donald Trump, dubbed the “Mother of All Rallies” as well as a left-wing protest by a group called “Protect American Democracy” against alleged Russian interference in last year’s election.
The introduction of the third event was seen as potentially adding fuel to an already combustible mix – though apart from a brief interruption of the pro-Trump rally by Black Lives Matter activists all three demonstrations came off without major incident.
Watch: Juggalos rally to protest gang label
Assembling near the Lincoln Memorial, the “Juggalos” as they are known, spoke of the difficulties they have faced since the law enforcement agency’s decision: losing jobs, custody of their children, and excessive police attention.