A right-wing rally in downtown Portland Saturday that drew a large group of counter-protesters and self-described anti-fascists led to a barrage of flashbangs being deployed in the crowd after rocks and bottles were thrown at police.
The at-first peaceful, right-wing Patriot Prayer rally quickly turned chaotic as the group began to march along the waterfront at Tom McCall park – the site of the rally. Counter-protesters followed the group but were separated by police.
Portland Police said the flashbangs were used to break up a group that they say threw rocks and bottles at officers dressed in riot gear who were patrolling to keep the protesters separated.
Several people were seen being detained by officers in the aftermath of the flashbangs.