News Summary
Community members in Laguna Woods protested against a Republican Club event featuring Jeffrey Scott Brown, a convicted participant in the January 6 Capitol riot. The protest aimed to express disapproval of Brown’s invitation, which many residents deemed inappropriate. Demonstrators organized by the Laguna Woods Democratic Club carried signs promoting democratic values. The event underlined the community’s division over the January 6 events and highlighted a broader political tension. Attendees of the Republican event sang patriotic songs, while protesters dressed in black to symbolize mourning for democratic principles.
Laguna Woods Sees Protests During Republican Club Event Featuring Convicted Jan. 6 Insurrectionist
A significant protest unfolded in Laguna Woods on Friday, as community members expressed their disapproval of an event hosted by the Republican Club featuring Jeffrey Scott Brown, a convicted participant in the January 6 Capitol riot. The event was scheduled for 11 a.m. at a community clubhouse, following a planned demonstration organized by the Laguna Woods Democratic Club that began at 10:30 a.m. The protest aimed to counteract the Republican Club’s invitation to a convicted insurrectionist, which many community members found inappropriate.
Jeffrey Scott Brown, aged 58, from Santa Ana, was convicted of seven felonies related to assaulting law enforcement during the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021. He was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison but was pardoned by President Donald Trump shortly after the inauguration in January. The Republican Club of Laguna Woods referred to Brown as a “victim of the Jan. 6 tragedy,” highlighting his past achievements, including being an Eagle Scout and a licensed FAA commercial pilot.
In response to Brown’s anticipated appearance, the Laguna Woods Democratic Club mobilized a protest, with demonstrators carrying signs reading, “Hate has no home here” and “Democracy yes, violence no.” The atmosphere of the protest was peaceful, aimed at expressing community sentiment against what many saw as a celebration of actions undermining the rule of law.
Mary Ribando, president of the Laguna Woods Democratic Club, criticized the Republican Club for their invitation to Brown, labeling it both appalling and disrespectful to the gravity of the events that occurred on January 6. Ribando indicated that this decision prompted an increased desire among residents to express their dissatisfaction vocally. In light of the protest, representatives from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and local security were deployed to ensure safety during the event.
Prior to the Republican Club event, Ribando contacted the Laguna Woods Village administration to voice her concerns, but she was informed that the club exercised autonomy and freedom of speech in choosing its speakers and events. This highlighted a feeling of disconnect in governance between community administration and the decisions made by individual clubs.
During the Republican Club’s event, members entered the venue singing “God Bless America,” while protesters remained outside in a quiet and respectful show of opposition. Republican Club attendees wore patriotic attire, whereas Democratic protesters donned black clothing as a symbol of mourning for democratic principles they believe are being undermined.
The protesters conveyed feelings of deep resentment toward the celebration of Brown’s engagement at the event, positioning it as an affront to the rule of law and democratic ideals. Activists voiced calls for better judgment from the Republican Club, stressing the importance of accountability in community representation.
Support for the protest extended beyond Laguna Woods, with participation from Democratic groups in nearby areas, including Irvine and Mission Viejo. Collectively, these groups aimed to articulate their disappointment in hosting an individual who played a role in the insurrection against the government.
The protest served as a reminder of the divide within the community regarding the actions taken by individuals on January 6, as well as a broader commentary on the ongoing political tensions reflective of the national landscape. Overall, the event highlighted a collective commitment among protesters to uphold democratic values and respect for law and order.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orange County Celebrates Pride Month with Events
Laguna Woods Hosts Controversial January 6 Speaker
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Laguna Woods Republican Club Invites Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter
- MyNewsLA: Laguna Woods Republican Club Event
- Patch: Convicted Capital Rioter to Speak at Laguna Hills GOP Event
- Audacy: Jan. 6 Rioter Speaks at Laguna Woods Republican Club
- Los Angeles Times: Trump Lost Orange County for a Third Straight Time
- Wikipedia: January 6 United States Capitol attack
- Google Search: Jeffrey Scott Brown January 6 riot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: January 6, 2021 Attack on the Capitol
- Google News: Laguna Woods Republican Club
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
