2 far-right group members arrested after allegedly attacking BLM protesters

SALEM OR - SEPTEMBER 7: Police arrest a far-right protester after a clash with counter protesters during a rally on September 7, 2020 in Salem, Oregon. A Pro-Trump caravan drove into the Oregon state capitol Monday afternoon where far-right protesters clashed with counter protesters. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

SALEM OR - SEPTEMBER 7: Police arrest a far-right protester after a clash with counter protesters during a rally on September 7, 2020 in Salem, Oregon. A Pro-Trump caravan drove into the Oregon state capitol Monday afternoon where far-right protesters clashed with counter protesters. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Labor Day weekend demonstrations turned violent in Salem, Oregon as members supporting different causes collided, resulting in two arrests.

Read More: Mayor of Portland, Oregon, tear gassed by federal agents

The Associated Press reports, supporters of President Donald Trump and Proud Boys members charged at counterprotesters representing Black Lives Matter at the west-coast capital. Hundreds gathered at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City for a vehicle rally which led to conflict.

SALEM OR – SEPTEMBER 7: Salem police escort a counter protester away from the scene after a clash with a far-right protester on September 7, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. A Pro-Trump caravan drove into the Oregon state capitol Monday afternoon where far-right protesters clashed with counter-protesters. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Cars, trucks, and vans sporting flags for Trump, the QAnon conspiracy theory, and in support of police drove toward Salem, with members of the moving rally dropping off before reaching the city, according to AP.

A smaller group of Proud Boys members continued on, meeting Trump supporters already convened. AP reports the right-wing group confronted the BLM demonstrators with paint-gun pellets and unfolded an American flag on the steps of the state capitol building.

Read More: Oregon attorney general sues federal agencies after protest arrests

After displaying the flag, the right-wing demonstrators led another charge against BLM protesters, police stepped in, and arrested two members of the Proud Boys. The New York Post reports one Trump supporter was armed with a baseball bat and another with a fire extinguisher. The outlet claims witnesses say Oregon State Police initially stood by allowing the violence to take place before tackling and arresting the two men.

SALEM, OR – SEPTEMBER 7: Far-right protesters walk past the state capitol with long rifles during a rally on September 7, 2020 in Salem, Oregon. A Pro-Trump caravan drove into the Oregon state capitol Monday afternoon where far-right protesters clashed with counter protesters. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

According to The Post, the two unnamed men were arrested on misdemeanor assault charges and released. Their arrests were not the only to stem from politically charged demonstrations in the state over the Labor Day Weekend.

CNN reports over 50 arrests were made as fires were set during a protest on September 5 in Portland. Another 15 people were taken into custody the next day on Sunday night after activists marched to the North Precinct Community Policing Center.

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!

Exit mobile version