Donald Trump rally violence: Fights break out at California event to support President

Seven injured as supporters and demonstrators clash 

Sunday 26 March 2017 09:50 BST
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Anti-fascist protesters run during confrontation with pro-Trump march in Philadelphia

A scuffle broke out on a Southern California beach where supporters of President Donald Trump were marching when counter-protesters doused organisers with pepper spray, authorities said Saturday.

The violence erupted when the march of about 2,000 people at Bolsa Chica State Beach reached a group of about 30 counter-protesters, some of whom began spraying the irritant, said Capt. Kevin Pearsall of the California State Parks Police.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of illegal use of pepper spray and a fourth person was arrested on suspicion of assault and battery, he said.

Two people suffered minor injuries that didn't require medical attention, Pearsall said.

An anti-Trump protester who allegedly used the eye irritant was kicked and punched in the sand by a group of Trump supporters, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Jennifer Sterling, one of the organisers of the pro-Donald Trump rally reacts after getting hit with pepper spray (AP)

Counter-protesters said before the march began that they planned to try to stop the march's progress with a "human wall."

A supporter of Donald Trump, centre, clashes with an anti-Trump protester (AP)

Earlier this month, a rally in Berkeley, California, in support of Trump turned violent, and his supporters clashed with counter-protesters in several fights that led to the arrest of 10 people and left at least seven people injured.

Associated Press

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