A video exposing a far-left “professional protester” is drawing widespread attention online, amassing millions of views in a single day after circulating widely on social media.
The clip was produced by independent journalist Nate Friedman.
It opens with Friedman interviewing a woman at a protest who says she is “representing myself and … the folks at Rise and Resist.”
When Friedman asks how much she is paid to wear a protest vest, the woman responds, “Absolutely nothing.”
Rise and Resist describes itself as “a NONVIOLENT direct action group committed to opposing, disrupting, and defeating any government act that threatens democracy, equality, and our civil liberties,” adding that it is made up of “100% unpaid volunteers.”
Friedman says he later identified the woman as Karin Schall and claims he found her appearing at nearly 100 different protests across a wide range of causes.
“I did some digging,” Friedman says in the video.
“The woman trying to stop my interview is named Karin Schall.
“She is a professional protester.
“I found her at almost 100 different protests.”
The video then shows images and clips Friedman says depict Schall at demonstrations on issues including TikTok restrictions, gun control, abortion, and other political causes.
Friedman also points to her involvement alongside other activists he has previously identified, including Stuart Waldman, whom he describes as another “professional protester.”
According to Friedman, Waldman sits on the board of Rise and Resist, and donations to the group are processed through ActBlue, a fundraising platform widely used by Democrat candidates and progressive organizations.
WATCH:
The video gained additional traction after being shared by Elon Musk, significantly expanding its reach.
“Same professional protestor found at 100 different protests,” Musk commented.
Same professional protestor found at 100 different protests https://t.co/1lf5ymWfyN
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 11, 2026
Commenting on the clip, Bill Clinton accuser Juanita Broaddrick wrote that the protester appeared “very proud of her accomplishments.”
Cybersecurity analyst Dominic Alvieri also weighed in, noting that some paid protesters operate outside traditional payroll systems.
“Many paid protesters are paid TAX FREE,” Alvieri wrote, adding that paid protest roles have at times appeared on mainstream job platforms under various titles.
Alvieri shared what he said were examples of listings for protest-related work, including positions labeled “Paid Agitator” or “Professional Protester.”
Many paid protesters are paid TAX FREE
Real ad below and not ai generated
Pay comes from 501(c)3 501(c)4 Scorp private and pay ranges from $17-100 hour
Paid protestors are even advertised on several mainstream platforms like Indeed and ZipRecruiter (usually taxed) and have… pic.twitter.com/km0Uwpa6TY
— Dominic Alvieri (@AlvieriD) January 11, 2026
The renewed focus on paid activism follows recent high-profile protests in Minneapolis after the fatal shooting of anti-ICE activist Renee Good.
Good was shot while ramming an ICE agent with her vehicle during a confrontation with federal law enforcement.
On Friday, Fox News host Laura Ingraham traveled to Minneapolis to cover the demonstrations, where she questioned a protester shouting “Shame!” outside a federal building.
When asked whether she had a job, the woman replied, “I’m getting paid right now!”
WATCH:
Leftist protester tells @IngrahamAngle that she’s getting paid to be there.
So is it Soros or Tim Walz’s medical paid leave funding her activism?pic.twitter.com/u0r2wl4YJ7
— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) January 9, 2026
The viral video has reignited debate over the role of organized activism, the transparency of protest movements, and whether some demonstrations are being fueled by paid participants rather than spontaneous grassroots support.
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