Clashes erupted in US' San Diego city on Friday night hours after Republican Party's likely presidential nominee Donald Trump held a rally.
At least three people were arrested after protesters and Trump supporters engaged in fistfights, shouting matches and hurled water bottles and eggs despite police efforts to keep them separated, Politico reported.
The anti-Trump protesters, a group of about 7,000 people, outnumbered the Trump supporters who saw fit to engage them as they left the San Diego Convention Centre downtown following Trump's rally.
A circle of protesters cheered loudly as they surrounded a man holding up a red "Make America Great Again" hat as he used a cigarette lighter to set it aflame.
"F--- Trump! F--- Trump!" they roared.
"Go home! Go home!" answered the Trump supporters.
Even as there was no room to move, police officers continued to push protesters and reporters, with some toppling over in the fray. Police pepper-sprayed several protesters, CNN reported.
In a message to the San Diego Police Department, Trump applauded the officers' response to the protesters.
"Fantastic job on handling the thugs who tried to disrupt our very peaceful and well attended rally," Trump tweeted. "Greatly appreciated."
--IANS
ksk
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app