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 theyre also very hateful of anybody who doesnt look like them or act like them, said The Rev. Nathan Dannison, the churchs pastor.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Dannison urged those present to commit themselves to non-violence and non-aggression.
Lets 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.
Shortly thereafter, chanting, mostly mask-less Proud Boys marched toward the parks 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.
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.
Counter protesters stood at the exit of the ramp yelling at Proud Boys as they left.
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. Robinson was shooting video of the Proud Boys leaving the parking ramp, and the confrontation with counter protesters, when he was detained.