Demonstrators for and against President Donald Trump squared off in Pacific Beach, with police reportedly arresting at least three people after declaring an unlawful assembly when officers were hit with rocks, pepper spray, bottles and eggs.
The two Saturday protests, one with Trump supporters and the other with Trump opponents, began near the entrance to the Crystal Pier at 4500 Oceanside Blvd. at about 1 p.m., and by 3:40 p.m. crowds from both sides began to disperse.
At least three people were taken into custody for refusal to disperse, according to NBC 7. The San Diego Police Department said Sunday it would release the total number of those arrested on Monday.
About 100 Trump supporters and 100 counter-protesters clashed at the intersection of Mission Boulevard and Hornblend Street until a growing number of police officers on foot and on bikes arrived to separate them.
After incidents of "violence," — including thrown bottles, rocks and eggs — were directed at officers, the San Diego Police Department declared the demonstration an unlawful assembly at about 2:30 p.m.
"Please clear the area and head away from the scene," police said from a helicopter loudspeaker. "Those who remain or return against this lawful order may be cited/arrested and risk exposure to chemical agents and less- lethal force applications."
In video posted online, a group of black-clad protesters, one displaying an "Antifascist Action" banner, could be heard chanting "racists go home."
RELATED: Pro-Trump, Anti-Fascist Protesters Square Off In Pacific Beach
A pro-Trump "Patriot March" had been announced for 2 p.m. but some anti-Trump protesters arrived earlier and began chanting.
Police reportedly fired pepper balls at some in the crowd, but they did not report any arrests or injuries.
