Unlawful Assembly Told As Pro- And Anti-Trump Rallies Face Off In Pacific Beach

San Diego CA

10 January, 2021

11:15 AM

Description

By Debbie L. Sklar, Times of San Diego January 09, 2021 Demonstrators for and against President Donald Trump squared off Saturday in Pacific Beach, with San Diego Police declaring an unlawful assembly after they were hit with rocks, pepper spray, bottles and eggs. The two protests, one from Trump supporters and the other from anti-fascists, began near the entrance to the Crystal Pier at 4500 Oceanside Blvd. about 1 p.m. Saturday, and by 3:40 p.m., crowds from both sides began to disperse. About 100 Trump supporters and 100 counter-protesters clashed at the intersection of Mission Boulevard and Hornblend Street until a growing size of police officers on foot and on bikes arrived to separate them. After incidents of violence were directed at officers, the police department declared the demonstration an unlawful assembly, about 2:30 p.m. Story continues below. "Please clear the area and head away from the scene," police aired from a police helicopter loudspeaker. "Those who remain or return against this lawful order may be cited/arrested and risk exposure to chemical agents and less-lethal force applications," police told the two groups. In video posted online, a group of black-clad protesters, one displaying an "Antifascist Action" banner, could be heard chanting "racists go home." A pro-Trump "Patriot March" had been announced for 2 p.m. but some anti-fascist protesters arrived earlier and began chanting. There were no immediate reports of arrests or injuries. Updated at 10:40 p.m. Jan. 9, 2021 — City News Service Times of San Diego is an independent online news site covering the San Diego metropolitan area. Our journalists report on politics, crime, business, sports, education, arts, the military and everyday life in San Diego. No subscription is required, and you can sign up for a free daily newsletter with a summary of the latest news.