Proud Boys rally in Kalamazoo turns violent
KALAMAZOO, MI — A rally by the far-right group Proud Boys turned violent in downtown Kalamazoo the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 15.
First Congregational Church hosted a vigil of anti-racism counter protesters within Arcadia Creek Festival Place. The group formed a perimeter around the area, according to MLive reporter Samuel J. Robinson who was on the scene.
“The Proud Boys, they not only have hatred for Jewish people and Muslim people, but they’re also very hateful of anybody who doesn’t look like them or act like them,” said The Rev. Nathan Dannison, the church’s pastor.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Dannison urged those present to commit themselves to non-violence and non-aggression.
“Let’s work together to remain peaceful and manifest positive energy with each other, to take care of each other, to take care of our own selves and our own safety, and to defend one another,” Dannison told the crowd.
Proud Boys rally in downtown Kalamazoo
Shortly thereafter, chanting, mostly mask-less Proud Boys marched toward the park’s entrance, waving American, Trump, and Gadsden flags and other symbols. Violence broke out soon after, with Proud Boys attacking counter-protesters with fists, kicks, and shoves.
First Congregational Church hosted a vigil of anti-racism counter protesters within Arcadia Creek Festival Place. The group formed a perimeter around the area, according to MLive reporter Samuel J. Robinson who was on the scene.
“The Proud Boys, they not only have hatred for Jewish people and Muslim people, but they’re also very hateful of anybody who doesn’t look like them or act like them,” said The Rev. Nathan Dannison, the church’s pastor.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Dannison urged those present to commit themselves to non-violence and non-aggression.
“Let’s work together to remain peaceful and manifest positive energy with each other, to take care of each other, to take care of our own selves and our own safety, and to defend one another,” Dannison told the crowd.
Proud Boys rally in downtown Kalamazoo
Shortly thereafter, chanting, mostly mask-less Proud Boys marched toward the park’s entrance, waving American, Trump, and Gadsden flags and other symbols. Violence broke out soon after, with Proud Boys attacking counter-protesters with fists, kicks, and shoves.
Proud Boys also pepper-sprayed numerous people, including Robinson.
Kalamazoo, Michigan pic.twitter.com/q2es6wUDqJ— Samuel J. Robinson (@samueljrob) August 15, 2020
As of 1:49 p.m., there were no police present, Robinson tweeted. Kalamazoo Public Safety officers and Portage police officers, many wearing riot gear, showed up shortly thereafter at a parking structure where the protest had advanced to.
Robinson, who was recording a Facebook Live video for MLive, was detained by police despite announcing being a reporter covering the protest. The video ended abruptly with Robinson being seemingly taken to the ground by police as he repeatedly stated he was being arrested.
Hell has broken loose pic.twitter.com/SBj5GqdhFq— Samuel J. Robinson (@samueljrob) August 15, 2020
Proud Boys rally in Kalamazoo turns violent
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Samuel J Robinson
Proud Boys rally in Kalamazoo turns violent
Proud Boys march down North Rose Street in downtown Kalamazoo.
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Samuel J Robinson
MLive is in a hiring freeze and dropped their fall internships themselves.
Proud Boys march passed the Raddison Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo.
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Proud Boys rally in Kalamazoo turns violent
Members of the alt-right group retreat back to their vehicles at a parking garage nearby Raddison Hotel.
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Samuel J Robinson
https://advancelocal.arcpublishing.com/photo/gallery/NHV3SHYG5VGUJHAVRXPFK3ZRRI
Members of the alt-right group chanted "Four more years," while marching through downtown Kalamzoo.
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Samuel J Robinson
Proud Boys rally in Kalamazoo turns violent
The Proud Boys carried American flags that they used as weapons while fighting with counter protesters.
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Samuel J Robinson
Proud Boys rally in Kalamazoo turns violent
A Proud Boy member holding flags.
Kalamazoo, Michigan pic.twitter.com/q2es6wUDqJ— Samuel J. Robinson (@samueljrob) August 15, 2020
As of 1:49 p.m., there were no police present, Robinson tweeted. Kalamazoo Public Safety officers and Portage police officers, many wearing riot gear, showed up shortly thereafter at a parking structure where the protest had advanced to.
Robinson, who was recording a Facebook Live video for MLive, was detained by police despite announcing being a reporter covering the protest. The video ended abruptly with Robinson being seemingly taken to the ground by police as he repeatedly stated he was being arrested.
Hell has broken loose pic.twitter.com/SBj5GqdhFq— Samuel J. Robinson (@samueljrob) August 15, 2020
Proud Boys rally in Kalamazoo turns violent
1 / 6
Samuel J Robinson
Proud Boys rally in Kalamazoo turns violent
Proud Boys march down North Rose Street in downtown Kalamazoo.
2 / 6
Samuel J Robinson
MLive is in a hiring freeze and dropped their fall internships themselves.
Proud Boys march passed the Raddison Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo.
3 / 6
Proud Boys rally in Kalamazoo turns violent
Members of the alt-right group retreat back to their vehicles at a parking garage nearby Raddison Hotel.
4 / 6
Samuel J Robinson
https://advancelocal.arcpublishing.com/photo/gallery/NHV3SHYG5VGUJHAVRXPFK3ZRRI
Members of the alt-right group chanted "Four more years," while marching through downtown Kalamzoo.
5 / 6
Samuel J Robinson
Proud Boys rally in Kalamazoo turns violent
The Proud Boys carried American flags that they used as weapons while fighting with counter protesters.
6 / 6
Samuel J Robinson
Proud Boys rally in Kalamazoo turns violent
A Proud Boy member holding flags.
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