A man livestreaming a Proud Boys rally in Portland, Oregon, was knocked to the ground and kicked in the face by a protester Saturday, and police have now launched an investigation.
“An investigation into this assault case is underway,” Portland police said Saturday, linking to video of the attack.
It’s unclear what led to the incident, but police have asked any witnesses to email crimetips@portlandoregon.gov.
Thousands of Proud Boys, the far-right Pacific Northwest group known for causing chaos and violence, were promised at Delta Park Saturday, but only about 200 showed up, many wearing militarized body armor, according to KOIN.
Several arrests were made, including a driver who was cited for obscuring the car’s license plate. Officials confiscated firearms, paintball guns, bats and shields.
Two people were charged with unlawful possession of a loaded firearm in public.
The Proud Boys organizer told KOIN that they wrapped up the event early to go to a barbecue.
An anti-fascism rally down the road drew a much larger crowd, including Caesar the No Drama Llama.
“Thank you to our police officers and law enforcement partners for ensuring the demonstrations have remained largely peaceful throughout the day,” Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said in a statement. “It’s testimony to the collaborative planning and preparation Portland Police did with our local, state and federal partners.”
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown had declared a state of emergency Friday and ordered state troopers and sheriff’s deputies to Portland in anticipation of clashes between the Proud Boys and counterprotesters.
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