A protest outside a California school board meeting turned violent Tuesday when masked activists clashed with parents opposed to the district’s LGBTQ+ policies.
Several hundred protesters gathered outside the Glendale Unified School District headquarters in Los Angeles after those for and against the district’s LGBTQ+ curriculum used social media to rally supporters, police said.Â
On one side, parents opposed to district policies waved American flags while counterprotesters held LGBTQ+ Pride flags.Â
The Glendale Police Department sent officers to the protest to ensure public safety and facilitate peaceful demonstrations, officials said.
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But police declared an unlawful assembly after a brawl broke out, with protesters throwing punches.Â
“While most of the protest was peaceful, a small group of individuals engaged in behavior deemed unsafe and a risk to public safety,” the police department said.Â
Video taken at the scene shows punches flying as a man with a bullhorn instructs, “Do not get violent!”Â
“Do not engage! Step away. Step away,” the man with the bullhorn can be heard saying as people were knocked to the ground and assaulted.Â
It is unclear who started the fight, but both sides appear to have participated.
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Police said three individuals outside were arrested for various charges, including unlawful use of pepper spray and willfully obstructing officers in the course of their duties.Â
“After the initial arrests, attempts to de-escalate the crowd failed,” police said.
Police ordered the crowd to disperse at around 6 p.m. local time.Â
“The Glendale Police Department acknowledges and respects the right of individuals to peacefully assemble and express their opinions. We encourage continued open dialogue and constructive engagement with community members,” police…
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