Tensions raged in the Philadelphia neighborhood on Monday between protester George Floyd and residents who used batons, according to a report.
Dozens of white men carrying bats, hammers and spades collided for hours with a crowd of younger Fishtown residents protesting the police brutality, Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
“Leave us alone!” one of the protesters shouted. “We live here and it makes us feel insecure!”
These people claimed that they went out to protect their environment in the event of riots or looting, and traded with protesters.
WHY radio producer Jon Ehrens wrote on Twitter that he was attacked by the men while recording them to cover the meeting. He posted a photo of his face covered in blood, then wrote in an update that he was “fine” but was on his way to the hospital.
Around 8 pm the police lined the road to separate the two groups and asked them to disperse.
“Why are others teared out for peaceful protest but they can walk with bats and be protected?” a woman asked the police, according to the newspaper.
After SWAT arrived and the police told the demonstrators that they were getting their third and final warning to leave, the crowd disappeared soon after 9 pm.
