Sheridan Park Anti Mask Counter Protest

Buffalo Concerned Neighbors are gathering safely today in the Town of Tonawanda to counter an anti-mask event. The group’s members point to clear connections between the anti-mask and anti-lockdown movement and far-right armed white supremacist groups in the area. “The Rolling Patriots and their on-the-ground friends the Marching Patriots are spreading their dangerous rhetoric in Tonawanda today,” concerned neighbor Heidi Jones said. “As we saw at Mark Poloncarz’ house a couple weeks ago, they are supported by an armed group called the Watchmen of New York.” The Watchmen are supported by former Trump administration official Michael Caputo, and former Buffalo School Board member Carl Paladino. They have developed strong relationships with nationwide groups Proud Boys and the Three Percenters, and have ties locally to the Aryan Renaissance Society. At a “friendsgiving” event last Saturday, a Watchmen member was photographed openly carrying a gun, which is illegal in New York.