Roughly 40,000 people descended on Boston Common on Saturday to protest a controversial right-wing “free speech” rally that had been planned.
The event came one week after violence and chaos erupted in Charlottesville, Virginia during a white nationalist rally. One woman died after an apparent white supremacist plowed his car into a crowd of counterprotesters.
In contrast, Saturday’s demonstrations in Boston remained largely peaceful, despite some skirmishes with police. Twenty-seven people were ultimately arrested, police told media.
Here’s how the day unfolded:
A right-wing rally for ‘free speech’ had been planned for Saturday
But many feared it would draw white supremacists and neo-Nazis
Roughly 40,000 people showed up to protest against the rally
They held signs denouncing Nazis and white supremacists…
…supporting Black Lives Matter…
…and referencing Heather Heyer, the 32-year-old woman who was killed at last weekend’s Charlottesville protests
The far-left “antifa” — or anti-fascists — also joined the counter protests
The planned “free speech” rally ended early around 1 p.m., after attendees wrapped up the event without giving their speeches
Rally attendees were escorted out by police
Police had attempted to create a buffer zone between the rally attendees and the counterprotesters
Yet there were clashes between police and counterprotesters as the rally attendees were leaving
Boston police later confirmed that some rocks and urine-filled bottles had been thrown at officers
Ultimately, 27 people were arrested
But Boston police commissioner William Evans said “99.9% of the people were here for the right reason, and that was to fight bigotry and hate”
President Donald Trump weighed in via Twitter, first calling the counterprotesters “anti-police agitators,” then praising them for “speaking out against bigotry and hate”
Looks like many anti-police agitators in Boston. Police are looking tough and smart! Thank you.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2017
Great job by all law enforcement officers and Boston Mayor @Marty_Walsh.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2017
Our great country has been divided for decades. Sometimes you need protest in order to heal, & we will heal, & be stronger than ever before!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2017
I want to applaud the many protestors in Boston who are speaking out against bigotry and hate. Our country will soon come together as one!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2017
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh responded:
Today, Boston stood for peace and love, not bigotry and hate. We should work to bring people together, not apart. https://t.co/gZw6ggYYHG
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) August 19, 2017
