A clash between an angry mob on the right and left in Portland last night gave Americans a glimpse of what it’s like to live in a third world country.
A demonstration billed as a march for “law and order” in the streets of Portland descended into chaos as members of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer and their black-clad adversaries, known as antifa, used bear spray, bare fists and batons to thrash each other.
The melee, which lasted more than a minute, ended when riot cops rushed in and fired pepper balls at the street fighters.
Video shows a member of Patriot Prayer appear to throw the first punch before a masked protester in an army uniform begins to dispense pepper spray at the opposing group.
People are heard coughing and seen covering their faces as a result of the pepper spray.
Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson is seen engaging in the brawl while wearing an orange shirt that reads: ‘I hunt Antifa cowards.’
Gibson organized the three-hour demonstration to protest Portland’s Mayor Ted Wheeler’s handling of a demonstration last week.
Police said they had attempted to thwart the possibility of a clash Saturday by speaking with both groups ahead of time.
Right-wing protesters clash with Antifa in Portland.
But amid growing tensions, Antifa members wearing all black confronted the Patriot Prayer group wearing MAGA hats and helmets.
The right-wing group reportedly chanted ‘USA’, while Antifa response with ‘go home Nazis’.
After the rally was over, a number of bare-knuckle fights broke out with the men wrestling one another on the sidewalk.
Portland police said officers used foam bullets to control the crown.
Four people were treated for injuries rbut no one was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
Scenes of the melee have been broadcast and shown around the world.