They will have training and logistical support.
Socialist governments have a long history of sponsoring violent (but pro-government) civilian militia organizations in order to suppress domestic opposition.
Watch for "community outreach" and "neighborhood watch" programs which provide training to disadvantaged minority youth groups. When they start displaying visible security forces, you will know that the next episode of the game is ready to start.
Of course "Brown shirt" forces have limited capabilties and are notoriously unreliable. In later phases of power consoliation the "Brown shirts" generally must be liquidated. But for intimidating unarmed civilians, they are pretty effective.
Moreover the regular police forces will initially be directed to ignore pro-government militias or even to protect them from resistance and retaliation. It is that direction which will cause the government security forces to self-destruct.
The fact that a militia program ulitmately cannot work doesn't mean "they" won't try it. The elites firmly believe that they can have anything they want if they push hard enough.
“Socialist governments have a long history of sponsoring violent (but pro-government) civilian militia organizations in order to suppress domestic opposition.”
Comparing American socialists with German fascists is futile. An active and organized group needs to believe in something other than jumbo bags of potato chips, Nike shoes and crack.
You can’t organize an armed group based on shopping for stuff. A flash mob is the antithesis of a trained military platoon.