Portland protests: Police use flashbangs at right-wing rally that drew counter-protestersDoug Stanglin and Christal Hayes, USA TODAY
Published 10:37 a.m. ET Aug. 4, 2018 | Updated 6:26 p.m. ET Aug. 4, 2018
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 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, but the two sides were separated by police.
Portland Police said the flashbangs were used to break up a group that threw rocks and bottles at officers dressed in riot gear who were patrolling to keep the protesters separated. ...
The counter-protesters were made up of a coalition of labor unions, immigrant rights advocates, democratic socialists and other groups. They included people dressed as clowns and a brass band blaring music. ...
More, plus photos, at USA Today