Families in an Oregon park were confused to find themselves on the sidelines of a fight between rival groups claiming to be Proud Boys and antifa members on Friday, according to the Portland Tribune.
Police from Oregon City, OR, declared the fight a riot at around 3:40 p.m. Friday after the groups traded insults, shot paintball guns at one another and released chemical spray in Clackamette Park, around a 25-minute drive from Portland, OR. At one point, an American flag was set on fire, said reports.
According to multiple reports, police monitored the fight from its start after finding posts about it on social media beforehand. Proud Boys said they had planned a voter registration event and those claiming to be antifa members said they arrived at the park to “fight fascism,” said the Tribune.
Proud Boys describe themselves as Western chauvinists and are associated with far right-wing politics. The Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled the organization a hate group and several members have been charged in relation to the Capitol riots this January.
Antifa, a group associated with far left-wing politics, is not recognized as a hate group by The Southern Poverty Law Center.
“Antifa groups do not promote hatred based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity,” and most members avoid violence, said the center.
Those identified as antifa at Clackamette Park by the Portland Tribune brought signs reading “save a life, kill a Nazi,” said the outlet. Proud Boys in turn called them scum and yelled expletives at them.
For the most part, those who were not involved with the fight seemed either confused or amused.
“I’m waiting until these guys start fighting. It’s gonna be hilarious,” said a 14-year-old onlooker quoted in the Tribune. Another witness said the groups should have just had a water balloon fight.
Police closed the park by 5 p.m. and issued $15 parking tickets to discourage the skirmish, said reports.
*story by Audacy
