From May to September 2020, Amnesty International documented nearly 200 incidents of violence between participants in protests and counter-protests around the USA. Those violent incidents occurred in approximately 75% of all US states; and, in about half of all US states, Amnesty International found that US police forces failed to keep assemblies peaceful and to protect protesters and counter-protesters from violent confrontations. A frequent catalyst for violence between protests and counter-protests was the presence of vigilante armed groups.

The Trump Administration’s rhetoric, policies, and practices have appeared to encourage the prevalence of armed groups unlawfully assaulting protesters and counter-protesters around the country.