Unrest has begun across the U.S. ahead of Tuesday's presidential election, with violent political clashes occurring in Beverly Hills a...
Unrest has begun across the U.S. ahead of Tuesday's presidential election, with violent political clashes occurring in Beverly Hills and a get-out-the-vote Black Lives Matter march in North Carolina ending with police pepper spray and eight arrests.
In Beverly Hills, thousands of President Donald Trump's supporters gathered on Saturday afternoon, waving American flags and signs declaring support for the Republican candidate.
At around 2.30pm, video from the scene shows black-clad Antifa supporters attacking a participant in the 'USA Freedom Rally'. At first, a Trump supporter is seen grappling with a black-clad counterprotester who is attempting to snatch away his American flag after heated verbal disputes.
Seconds after the Trump supporter throws an elbow at the assailant, at least six other apparent Antifa supporters swarm at the pro-Trump demonstrator, pummeling him with fists and a lead pipe.
In Beverly Hills, political violence broke out between Trump supporters and left-wing groups. Left, a BLM backer and pro-Trump demonstrator remain peaceful, and right, police separate another pair of clashing protesters
Thousands of President Donald Trump's supporters gathered on Saturday afternoon in Beverly Hills for a 'USA Freedom Rally'. Above, the Trump backers hold up four fingers as they call for 'four more years' for the Republican president
Antifa supporters marched to oppose the Trump rally, and violent clashes broke out between the groups as cops struggled to keep them separated and maintain the peace
Cops interview a Trump supporter who was attacked in clashes with Antifa in Beverly Hills on Saturday
A Trump supporter (above) was treated for face injuries at the scene after he was pummeled by Antifa supporters, as political unrest turned violent just three days ahead of the November 3 election
At the sound of a police siren, the attackers dispersed and fled into the crowd. The Trump supporter was seen chasing one of the assailants and swinging at his back with a wooden flag pole.
Moments later, police declared the rally an unlawful assembly and ordered the crowd to disperse. Protesters cleared the intersection but the pro-Trump rally continued with a march through Beverly Hills.
The pro-Trump protester had injuries to his face and was treated by the Beverly Hills Fire Department, a police official said.
Actor James Woods had a strong reaction to the incident
Antifa, short for 'anti-fascist', is a left-wing movement that seeks to confront those whom it deems racist or authoritarian. Its supporters are known for dressing in all-black, and being unabashed by physical violence.
The shocking scene in Beverly Hills drew a strong reaction from actor James Wood, an outspoken Trump supporter, who called for 'militias' to respond.
'This is an American patriot being brutally beaten by armed DEMOCRAT-supported Antifa scum,' Woods wrote in a tweet.
'Where are our militias? If you can't carry an American flag in Beverly Hills without being assaulted by armed Democrat mobs, we need to arm ourselves,' the actor continued.
Supporters of US President Donald Trump fill the street during a rally in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday
Twin sisters Isabella and Vanessa pose with signs of support for Trump while wearing their Halloween costumes on Saturday
Supporters gather at a Trump rally in Beverly Hills, California on Saurday, three days ahead of the election
People hold signs and wave US flags during a pro-Trump rally in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday
Antifa supporters march to confront participants in the Trump rally on Saturday in Beverly Hills
Police tried to keep the groups separate but at times clashes broke out between left-wing and right-wing groups
Like other departments across the nation, the Beverly Hill Police Department was already on high alert in anticipation of civil unrest.
'Beginning on Halloween and through Election week, the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) will be on full alert throughout the residential and business districts,' BHPD said in a statement earlier this week. 'Additionally, other law enforcement personnel and private security companies will offer support and coordinate closely with BHPD.'
On Friday and Saturday, many of the luxury retailers and other businesses in Beverly Hills began to board up their windows.
Iconic Rodeo Drive will be closed to both vehicles and pedestrians starting on Election Day in a bid to prevent widespread looting.
A pedestrian passes a boarded up entrance at the Saks Fifth Avenue store Friday in Beverly Hills
Cops in Beverly Hills form a skirmish line to keep competing groups of protesters separate on Saturday
People hold signs and wave US flags during a pro-Trump rally in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday
Left-wing groups confront Trump supporters during the massive rally on Saturday in Beverly Hills
Antifa, short for 'anti-fascist', is a left-wing movement that seeks to confront those whom it deems racist or authoritarian. Its supporters are known for dressing in all-black, and being unabashed to use physical violence
A jewelry store in Beverly Hills is being boarded up in anticipation of violence as a result of the upcoming US election
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