March 26 (UPI) — Four people were arrested after pro-Trump supporters and counter-protesters sparred at a Make America Great Again rally in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Elsewhere, rallies across the nation Saturday were generally peaceful with only a few arrests. Attendees said they not only came out to support President Donald Trump, but to show their appreciation for veterans, law enforcement and first responders.
California State Park Police Capt. Kevin Pearsall called the situation “a disagreement of beliefs” between some of the 2,000 pro-Trump demonstrators and about 30 or 40 counter-protesters opposing Trump.
Pearsall said six people were originally detained. He said three men were arrested on suspicion of illegal use of a Taser, and one woman was arrested on suspicion of assault and battery.
The Los Angeles Times reported a counter-protester allegedly attacked a female organizer, Jennifer Sterling, with pepper spray.
Flag-waving Trump supporters then tackled, punched and kicked the offender, who was wearing a black mask. The man jumped over a fence and ran along Pacific Coast Highway. He was detained by California Highway Patrol officers.
“I hit him five times with the flag over his head,” Travis Guenther, who said his wife was pepper-sprayed, told the Los Angeles Times.
Further fights broke out elsewhere between the two sides.
In Philadelphia, supporters of Trump held a rally on the steps of Independence Hall.
Police officials said they are aware of video that appeared to show a police officer swinging a bike at someone at one of the events, police public information officer Sgt. Eric Gripp told NBC Philadelphia.
Two people were cited for disorderly conduct before the rallies dispersed.
Trump posted on Twitter on Saturday: “Thanks you for all of the Trump Rallies today. Amazing support. We will all MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
