PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Right-wing groups and counterprotesters gathered in downtown Portland, Oregon, and authorities set up concrete barriers and closed streets in an effort to contain the two groups.
Also on hand among the hundreds gathering were people who attended a nearby prayer service, holding signs that said things like “No Trump, No NRA.”
The right-wing rally is organized by Proud Boys, who are designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Police Portland say they’ve seized weapons such as metal and wooden poles, bear spray and shields from multiple groups at a right-wing rally and counterprotest in the city.
Flag-waving members of the Proud Boys and Three Percenters militia group began gathering late Saturday morning. Some wore body armor and helmets. Meanwhile black clad, helmet and face-mask wearing anti-fascist protesters also were among the hundreds on the streets.
More than two dozen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are in the city for the Saturday morning rally.