Scuffles erupt among Cleveland protesters

Image
AFP Cleveland
Last Updated : Jul 20 2016 | 3:13 AM IST
Scuffles broke out between opposing protesters in Cleveland on the second day of the Republican National Convention.
A planned demonstration against police shootings of African-Americans devolved into mayhem yesterday, with punches thrown and shouting matches.
Approximately 100 police officers separated the dueling groups and maintained a strict cordon, quickly defusing tensions between rival protesters -- who also numbered around 100.
There were no immediate arrests, according to Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams, who was at the scene.
As the protest was getting under way, witnesses said Alex Jones -- a controversial radio show host who espouses various conspiracy theories -- challenged the assembled crowd and a few protesters punched him.
Police immediately moved in to separate the two sides.
Another group of counter-protesters, with signs including one that said "Every Real Muslim is a Jihadist," needled the crowd.
They were met with a chorus of boos, and comments such as "You're miserable."
Other protesters were yelling: "Indict! Convict! Send the killer cops to jail! The whole damn system, is guilty as hell."
News media swarmed the scene -- on alert for trouble between rival protesters since the opening of the party convention, which will see Donald Trump officially anointed as the Republican candidate for president.
Officials have set up tight security zones and remain on heightened alert as groups with various messages plan to protest.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

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

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 20 2016 | 3:13 AM IST

Next Story