The police chief for Minneapolis released a statement explaining that while there were protesters who acted peacefully during President Trump's visit, others acted violently towards officers and Trump supporters.
"While the vast majority of people that gathered were peaceful and respectful, officers did engage with some individuals and groups demonstrating aggressive or illegal behavior to address issues related to life, safety and property damage," Chief Medaria Arradondo said in a statement.
"Officers further engaged when assaulted during their response. Objects containing liquid believed to be urine were hurled at some of my officers along with bottles and rocks. Police horses were also assaulted by protesters striking them with sticks," he continued.
Arradondo explained because members of Antifa and other protesters were becoming "violent and aggressive" and "causing harm to others in attendance," pepper spray was used against them.
More video from outside Trump rally in Minneapolis. We saw protestors throw stuff at police & their horses. Endless vulgarities. Intimidate Trump supporters & media. Surround cars so they couldn’t leave. Light fires. pic.twitter.com/xHffkSAPpx
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) October 11, 2019
The website that called for Antifa to come out to the "AMERICA IS CANCELED" counter-protest, published a report from someone that was present. In the post, they boasted how they set off fireworks and spray painted storefront windows "with slogans not just against the bogeyman of Trump or fascism but against the police most of all."
"On October 10th, the police lost control. And in that void, we could glimpse beautiful expressions of joy and revolt," they added.
More videos from outside of Trump's rally on Thursday show counter-protesters harassing Trump supporters, with one woman slapped in the face by a counter-protester.
After the @realDonaldTrump rally in Minneapolis, his supporters were attacked by left-wing extremists. An unprovoked assault on a woman was caught on camera by @AlphaNewsMN. Mayor @Jacob_Frey defends charging Trump campaign $530k for public safety. #antifa https://t.co/fGBzUiMMOQ pic.twitter.com/MgbsDh60NR
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) October 14, 2019
Antifa extremists encircle a female Trump supporter trying to leave the area after the Minneapolis Trump rally last Thursday. Someone throws something at her but it misses and lands on the ground. The woman is then robbed of her hat by a masked person. pic.twitter.com/Z5o9dItGUo
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) October 15, 2019
Join the conversation as a VIP Member