Violence erupts at pro-Trump rally in Huntington Beach
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A fistfight erupted between pro-Trump demonstrators and counter-protesters on the sands of a Southern California beach on Saturday, while Philadelphia police were looking into an officer’s use of force in that city as “Make America Great Again” rallies were held across the country.
Six people were arrested in Huntington Beach, California, after what California State Park Police Capt. Kevin Pearsall called “a disagreement of beliefs” between some in the crowd of 2,000 pro-Trump demonstrators and some of a small group who showed up in opposition.
Some of the arrests were for “illegal use of pepper spray,” Pearsall said. NBC Los Angeles reported that pepper spray was allegedly used in one instance by an anti-Trump protester who claimed he was defending his friend.
Video of the incident shared on social media shows what appears to be a skirmish between several Trump supporters and counter-protesters wearing masks.
Police estimate around 2,000 attendees gathered at the rally, with 30 to 40 people showing up in opposition.
The counterprotesters later claimed they were the victims.
“People started punching and tackling our side and one [of the protesters] pepper-sprayed in defense,” counter-rally organizer Jordan Hoiberg told the Orange County Register. “We were expecting it to be more peaceful.”
A reporter intern and two photographers from the Orange Country Weekly also complained that they were also attacked by members of the pro-Trump group.
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