Pro-Trump Demonstrators, Anti-Protestors Clash In San Diego

PACIFIC BEACH, CA — Demonstrations for and against President Donald Trump turned violent as the two sides clashed in front of the Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach Saturday. After police declared an unlawful assembly, officers tweeted that they had been struck with a glass bottle, rocks and eggs.

"Those who remain or return against this lawful order may be cited/arrested and risk exposure to chemical agents & less-lethal force applications," police tweeted.

Demonstrators also shot pepper spray at officers, police tweeted. It was unlcear which protestors were aggressing police.

The two protests, one from Trump supporters and the other from Black Lives Matter and anti-facist groups, began near the entrance to the Crystal Pier at 4500 Oceanside Blvd. about 1 p.m. Saturday, and by 3:40 p.m., crowds from both sides began to disperse.

About 100 Trump supporters and 100 counter-protesters clashed at the intersection of Mission Boulevard and Hornblend Street until a growing size of police officers on foot and on bikes arrived to separate them.

Videos on social media showed a heavy presence of police in the area before 2 p.m. as demonstrators chanted "USA! USA!"

In another video posted online, a group of black-clad protesters, one displaying an "Antifascist Action" banner, could be heard chanting "racists go home" at another small group gathered at the entrance to the Crystal Pier at 4500 Oceanside Blvd at about 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

As more police arrived on scene, some marching down Mission Boulevard and some riding bikes, they took up positions to separate the Pro-Trump protesters and a group of Black Lives Matter and Antifa protesters.

The City News Service contributed to this report.

Officers were just struck with a glass bottle and eggs were being thrown.
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) January 9, 2021

The demonstration/protest at Hornblend St. & Mission Blvd has now been declared an unlawful assembly due to acts of: Violence.

Please clear the area and head away from the scene.
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) January 9, 2021

Rocks & bottles are being thrown at officers. Pepper spray (OC) from the crowd is being sprayed towards officers.
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) January 9, 2021