KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A white nationalist group and counter-protesters clashed violently Saturday afternoon in western Michigan, resulting in arrests.
The confrontation occurred at a planned rally in Kalamazoo by a group known as the Proud Boys.
Assistant Chief Vernon Coakley of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said a few people were arrested, but didn’t know exactly how many.
The Proud Boys scheduled a rally while counter-protesters staged their own event in the area, reporters on the scene said.
When the Proud Boys arrived, the confrontation ensued. Some fist fights occurred before police arrived and ordered the crowds to disperse.
Lashika Williams said her husband was injured by the Proud Boys while he was walking her to work.
"We saw a whole lot of commotion going on," she said. "There was already fights and everything going on, and as we walking past it was just like a group--out of the blue--came and attacked us."
Williams said there were about five to seven people who attacked her and three others. She said they were "fighting, and fighting and fighting" until her husband was hit in the head.
Nathan Dannison, the pastor of First Congregational Church, helped organize the counter-protest, which he said he planned to be peaceful.
"Several people were attacked coming out of Food Dance," he said. Dannison said some of the Proud Boys demonstrators had glass bottles they used to smash people.
"Of course they carry flags. They use those to beat people up. It was pretty horrific," he said.
Dannison said after the Proud Boys started attacking and clashes ensued, police were slow to respond. However, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said in a statement, "once the event turned violent, the officers responded quickly and restored order."
Police declared a police zone to clear the crowds.
An MLive reporter, Samuel Robinson, was arrested by police while covering the event. Officers detained him while he was streaming a Facebook Live video to MLive's page.
An editor with the news group said Robinson was charged with "impeding traffic," and he has been released from jail. MLive issued this statement:
“The working press must be assured the right to cover public events, that clearly are in the public interest, without reprisals,” said John Hiner, vice president of content for MLive Media Group. “These situations are difficult for all involved, but media who identify themselves are not a part of the event — they are working it, just like the police.”
Authorities in Kalamazoo said this week the Proud Boys demonstration was rumored to be happening on Saturday. In response, a local church planned a counter-protest.
The city of Kalamazoo issued a statement on Thursday, saying it was aware of "unconfirmed social media posts" about the demonstration. They said police were monitoring the situation, and also said "bigotry and hatred in any form is not acceptable in Kalamazoo--nor is violence."
Police said Saturday night the situation remains "unpredictable" and they encourage everyone to remain safe.
Another counter-protest has been planned for 7 p.m.
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