Protests in Portland, Oregon turned violent Saturday, as hundreds of white nationalist demonstrators clashed with antifascist activists.
The Associated Press reported that police deployed “flash bang” devices to try to disperse the demonstration. The AP said there were an undetermined number of arrests after rocks, bottles and other projectiles were hurled at police. Police ordered demonstrators to disperse as they struggled to keep opposing camps of protesters apart.
Police have declared a “civil disturbance” and are ordering both sides to disperse or face arrest or riot control agents and impact weapons.”
“All people must disperse.” #AllOutPDX pic.twitter.com/BLd9B5JBBt
— Christopher Mathias (@letsgomathias) August 4, 2018
Saturday’s violence is just the latest of several confrontations over the past year between far-right factions and and left wing activists across the United States.
The best known such conflict took place nearly one year ago, when white nationalists gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia and were met by throngs of anti-facists. That so-called Unite the Right protest, which marks its one-year anniversary next weekend, claimed the life of a young woman, anti-fascist activist Heather Heyer.
For the safety of the community and participants and based on behavior observed, weapons confiscated, and known threats during today’s events; PPB continues to attempt to keep demonstrators and counterdemonstrators separated.
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) August 4, 2018
Proud Boys in a truck just sprayed bear mace at antifa blocking their way, leaving a street full of coughing, tearing people behind pic.twitter.com/nt6uEYREAK
— Brendan O'Connor (@_grendan) August 4, 2018
On June 30, a Patriot Prayer rally devolved into a riot when Gibson’s supporters brawled with anti-fascist counter-protesters. Police eventually arrested nine people.