KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The rumored Proud Boy rally in downtown Kalamazoo turned into a reality on Saturday, which escalated into violence between counter-protesters.
The post on Twitter from late July read that the Proud Boys, a white nationalist group, and Bikers for Trump were planning a rally in Kalamazoo on Saturday, August 15th, but city of Kalamazoo officials said earlier that they were not notified about the possible event and nobody requested permits.
The rally was rumored to be happening at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place around 2 p.m. Around 10:30 p.m. Friday a Twitter post stated that Proud Boy members from out of town were on their way to Kalamazoo.
The day began with a vigil at Arcadia Creek held by the First Congregational Church after they heard about the possible Proud Boys rally. The group did receive a permit for the counter vigil.
Around 1:30 p.m., the Proud Boys arrived, marching and chanting down the Kalamazoo Mall.
Violence ensued between the Proud Boys and counter protesters as some began spraying pepper spray, swinging street signs, and throwing punches at each other near East Water Street and North Edwards Street, outside Arcadia Creek.
Kalamazoo Public Safety officers, a few in riot gear, began moving in around 2 p.m. They formed a line as a public address system on a patrol van announced that the gathering was not permitted under city ordinance and the participants had to disperse. They told everyone that they had five minutes to clear the scene.
KDPS moving in to clear the scene in downtown Kalamazoo (Photo courtesy of John McNeill)
A few arrests were made but it’s unclear how many at this time. There were a number of Michigan State Police officers on hand for the event, as were officers on bikes, but they did not participate in the sweep that cleared the park.
One person is seen being arrested during the protest. (Photo courtesy of John McNeill)
Most of the crowd scattered but there was still activity near South Rose Street and West Michigan Avenue as officers blocked the street. Some counter protesters moved back to their original location as authorities continued to bock the festival site.
On Thursday, the city of Kalamazoo released a statement saying:
“The City of Kalamazoo is aware of unconfirmed social media posts related to a possible protest in downtown Kalamazoo this Saturday by a group known as the ‘Proud Boys,’ as well as possible counter-protests. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is monitoring this situation and will respond as needed to ensure the safety of our community. Bigotry and hatred in any form is not acceptable in Kalamazoo – nor is violence – and the City is prepared to act quickly if necessary.”
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