The National Men’s March, a peaceful anti-abortion demonstration founded by Catholic radio host Jim Havens and retired priest Stephen Imbarrato, faced an aggressive counter-protest in Boston on November 16. The event, which advocates for the rights of the unborn and promotes personhood, was met by over 350 counter-protesters organized by a group known as the “Clown March.” Among them was “Jared” Dowell, the child of House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), who was arrested for inciting violence during the chaotic clash.
The National Men’s March participants, dressed formally and reciting rosaries, gathered outside Planned Parenthood to voice their opposition to abortion. Their peaceful assembly, however, was met with hostility as the Clown March group—donning vibrant costumes and wigs—staged a counter-demonstration.
According to the Boston Police Department, the situation escalated rapidly when counter-protesters began disrupting the march. Officers on-site issued multiple orders for the crowd to disperse, but these were ignored.
The police report detailed the ensuing chaos:
“This unruly crowd collectively began pushing back at officers, elevating their disorderly and unlawful activity to assaultive. This created an extremely hazardous and offensive condition for officers and the individuals of the Men’s Rights Group who were attempting to pass by.”
Despite efforts to manage the situation peacefully, law enforcement had to resort to arrests to restore order. Among those detained was Dowell, who was accused of engaging in violent and disruptive behavior.
This isn’t Dowell’s first run-in with the law over politically charged actions. In January 2023, Dowell was arrested for assaulting a police officer during an anti-police protest at the Boston Common’s Parkman Bandstand.
During that protest, Dowell reportedly struck Boston Police Officer Daniel Roca in the face and participated in vandalizing public property with graffiti. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office ultimately dismissed the case after Dowell fulfilled several court-ordered conditions, including:
- Completing 30 hours of community service.
- Reimbursing the city for the cost of cleaning the graffiti.
- Writing an apology letter to Officer Roca.
- Undergoing individual therapy.
- Participating in a community-based program.
- Agreeing to stay away from the Boston Common for one year.
The leniency of the court’s resolution sparked criticism at the time, with some arguing that it set a concerning precedent for handling politically motivated offenses.
Dowell’s involvement in the Clown March and subsequent arrest has reignited debates over the increasing volatility of political protests. The Clown March’s actions, while billed as a colorful and humorous counter-protest, turned violent, creating significant challenges for law enforcement.
Boston Police Superintendent Cahill, who was on-site during the November 16 event, issued repeated warnings to the counter-protesters to cease their disruptive actions and disperse. When these warnings were ignored, officers had no choice but to move in to restore order.
“After an exhaustive effort, officers were able to eventually gain enough control to allow the march to proceed through Kenmore Square and towards their destination,” the police report stated.
Dowell’s specific actions during the riot have not been detailed publicly, but their arrest reflects the severity of the situation.
The incident involving Dowell underscores a broader trend of increased tensions at public demonstrations. Peaceful events, such as the National Men’s March, often become flashpoints for violent confrontations between opposing ideological groups.
Critics argue that public figures like Rep. Katherine Clark, who serves in a prominent leadership position within the Democratic Party, bear some responsibility for addressing the actions of family members who become involved in such events. Others contend that holding public officials accountable for the behavior of their relatives is unfair and detracts from the larger issues at hand.
The arrest of Dowell, coupled with their prior record, has sparked heated reactions across the political spectrum. Conservatives have pointed to the incident as an example of escalating hostility against pro-life advocates, while some progressives have highlighted the Clown March’s efforts as a response to what they view as oppressive policies.
Rep. Clark has yet to issue a public statement regarding the November 16 incident. In the past, she has expressed support for her child’s gender identity and political activism, though she has refrained from commenting on specific legal matters.
The arrest of Jared Dowell during the Clown March is a stark reminder of the intensifying political and cultural divides in the United States. As peaceful demonstrations increasingly attract hostile counter-protests, finding a path toward constructive dialogue becomes ever more challenging.
For now, the focus remains on the legal outcomes for Dowell and the broader implications of their actions for public demonstrations and political accountability. Whether this incident prompts any meaningful discussion or change remains to be seen.
