3 Reportedly Arrested After Pro- And Anti-Trump Rallies Face Off In Pacific Beach

San Diego CA

11 January, 2021

6:45 AM

Description

By Debbie L. Sklar, Times of San Diego January 09, 2021 Demonstrators for and against President Donald Trump squared off in Pacific Beach, with police reportedly arresting at least three people after declaring an unlawful assembly when officers 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. At least three people were taken into custody for refusal to disperse, according to NBC 7. The San Diego Police Department said Sunday it would release the total number of those arrested on Monday. 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. Updated at 10:55 a.m. Jan. 10, 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.