Dueling demonstrations faced off Sunday in downtown Portland, marking the first large street protest of the spring.
The rallies drew hundreds to a pair of parks near City Hall, including right-wing Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson of Vancouver, his supporters and counter-protesters, including black-clad antifascists, known as antifa.
The rallies began peacefully and escalated with shoving, a small bonfire on the antifa side of the gatherings and punches thrown. Portland police stepped in to quell the fights and asked people to stay away from the area as Patriot Prayer supporters started marching.
Portland police said officers with the Federal Protective Service and a Multnomah County sheriff's deputy used pepper spray twice, when when protesters fought. Demonstrators used pepper spray too, police said, and some threw fireworks, bottles, rocks and ball bearings at each other.
They said four people were arrested on various allegations including disorderly conduct.
Police said several people received medical evaluations at the scene but didn't need to be taken to a hospital.
7 p.m.
Everyone has scattered. The clash lasted more than two hours as several hundred demonstrators from all sides walked through downtown, shouted at each other and traded occasional blows, drawing blood.
No word yet from police if they made any arrests. They confiscated bear spray and a large knife, among other objects, according to pictures on their Twitter feed.
6:45 p.m.
Officers in riot gear have separated the groups again. Tusitala "Tiny" Toese and other Patriot Prayer supporters have left the plaza where they gathered, trailed by antifa.
6:12 p.m.
6:09 p.m. Patriot Prayer member Tusitala "Tiny" Toese declares today a victory. Tells marchers to march to their cars and leave.
6:08:
6:05 p.m. Patriot Prayer supporter: "Antifa is running from us today."
6:02 p.m. The city hasn't issued any permits for a street march. Marchers have to remain on the sidewalks.
6:01 p.m.: Portland police had said they were prepared for Sunday, though they conceded the challenge they face with Rose Festival happening simultaneously. "The bureau is going to be spread thin," said Sgt. Chris Burley, a Portland police spokesman. "It's a real strain on the limited resources we do have."
5:59 p.m.: We're live on Facebook here.
5:57 p.m.: From earlier:
5:52 p.m.:
5:50 p.m.:
5:49 p.m.: Fireworks, pepper spray at protest.
5:48 p.m.:
5:47 p.m.:
5:46 p.m.:
5:44 p.m.:
5:37 p.m:
5:33 p.m.: Police report "violent assaultive behavior" in downtown Portland.
5:33 p.m. Portland police on Twitter: "If you are in the immediate area of competing protest events in Downtown Portland, you are at risk of getting caught in between violent clashes and any law enforcement actions or arrests. You are advised to leave the area."
5:30 p.m. Cops in riot gear.
5 p.m.: Police report bottles, fireworks being thrown at officers.