BEVERLY HILLS (CNS) - An unlawful assembly was declared by Beverly Hills police after a counter-protester got into a fight with a pro-Trump demonstrator near the Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park, but no one was arrested, authorities said today.
The unlawful assembly was declared at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., about a half an hour after police reported another demonstration at Roxbury Memorial Park at Roxbury Drive and Olympic Boulevard. "Approximately 40 protesters did assemble at Roxbury Park and then marched to the USA Freedom Rally," said Beverly Hills police Lt. Max Subin.
"The protester from Roxbury Park got into a violent fight with a pro-Trump protester. It was at the point that an unlawful assembly was declared by the Incident Commander and the Roxbury Park protesters did leave and march back to Roxbury Park," Subin said.
On Twitter, Beverly Hills police advised people to avoid the area.
An estimated 4,000 pro-Trump demonstrators participated in the Freedom Rally, police told media at the scene.
In recent days Beverly Hills police have taken precautions ahead of Tuesday's General Election since the city has been a focal point for protesters on both sides of the political divide.
Workers have boarded up storefronts on Rodeo Drive and city officials said the world-renowned high-end shopping area will be off-limits to pedestrian and vehicle traffic on Tuesday and Wednesday in hopes of diverting any protesters or looters.
Street closures were also expected on North and South Santa Monica Boulevard between North Bedford Drive and North Crescent Drive.
"As Election Day approaches and with the potential of increased demonstrations and protest activity across the region, the city is taking a proactive approach to ensure a safe community for residents, businesses and visitors," Beverly Hills Police Chief Dominick Rivetti said in a message to the community. "Beginning on Halloween and through election week, the Beverly Hills Police Department will be on full alert throughout the residential and business districts."