3 Stabbed, One with Confederate Flagpole, in KKK Rally in Anaheim

ANAHEIM, CA Three counter-protesters were stabbed today while clashing with Ku Klux Klan members staging a rally at a park in Anaheim, where 13 people were arrested.

One of the counter-protesters was rushed to a hospital in critical condition as a result of the violence that broke out about 11 a.m. at Pearson Park, 400 N. Harbor Blvd., according to Anaheim police Sgt. Daron Wyatt.

Six KKK members arrived at the park to start their planned walk and protest and were immediately attacked and stomped by counter-protesters, who numbered about 30, Wyatt said.

The melee spanned a block-long area, he said.

A second stabbed counter-protester was in stable condition when taken to a hospital and a third, who was found in a vehicle at the intersection of Lemon and Sycamore streets, was also hospitalized in stable condition, Wyatt said.

All three are males believed to be adults, he said.

The critically injured victim was stabbed with an eagle ornament at the end of a pole holding a Confederate flag, the sergeant said.

Two of the stomped Klansmen were taken from the scene for hospital treatment, Wyatt said.

All of those arrested are thought to be adults and are suspected of assault with a deadly weapon. Six of them were KKK members, including one female, and seven were counter-protesters, including one female, Wyatt said.

Police officers stationed at the park because of the publicized rally immediately responded and called for back-up as the violence erupted, Wyatt said.

Investigators believe there are numerous cell phone videos of the violent clash and asked anyone with such images to call Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.

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City News Service