According to Newsweek, Braynard described the arrests of the attackers as "political persecution." He also said the group was targeted "not for what they did, but for their sincere political beliefs."

The Look Ahead America leader said his organization sent a letter to the Department of Justice and FBI last year, demanding them to "drop charges against nonviolent offenders."

He said the goal of the vigils was "to put public attention and public pressure on our government and elected officials to do the right thing and to stop abusing these people and to stop the political persecutions."

The conservative leader also compared the current situation to the anti-apartheid movement, which took place in South Africa for many decades as an effort to end racism and segregation.

"We understand that it's not going to happen overnight, but just as the anti-apartheid movement took many years, we will be equally patient," Braynard said.

Matt-Braynard

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