Washington: US President Donald Trump on Sunday described anti-fascist and anti-racist demonstrators as “anti-police agitators”.
Thousands of anti-racism demonstrators flooded the streets of Boston, dwarfing a gathering of white nationalists in the city and triggering scuffles with police but avoiding the serious violence that marred a similar event a week earlier in Virginia.
A “free speech” rally by far-right groups had been scheduled to run until 2 pm local time, but a half-hour before that police escorted its participants — whose numbers appeared to be in the dozens — to safety past a throng of anti-racism protesters.
Officials estimated turnout of about 40,000 demonstrators. Authorities said there were 27 arrests, mostly for assault and battery against the police, and disorderly conduct.
Mr Trump tweeted: “Looks like many anti-police agitators in Boston. Police are looking tough and smart! Thank you.” Later, he seemed to back the right to demonstrate, posting: “Our great country has been divided for decades.
Sometimes you need protest in order to heal, & we will heal, & be stronger than ever before!”
In another tweet he even praised the protesters, “I want to applaud the many protesters in Boston who are speaking out against bigotry and hate.”
Thousands of counter-protesters had convened in two groups before the main rally in Boston, chanting “No Nazis, no KKK, no fascists in the USA!” One man held a sign that read, “Stop pretending your racism is patriotism,” and a woman’s sign said, “Muslims welcome, racists out”.
