A group in the United States planned multiple ‘White lives matter’ rallies across the country. One grabbing particular attention is the Huntington Beach Pier rally which was scheduled to begin at 1 pm on Sunday.
A counter Black Lives Matter rally began at the pier at 11 am. The Klu Klux Klan(KKK) covered Villa Park, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach with fliers all over them.
According to posts made online by the group Loyal White Knights under the KKK, the rally’s aim was to “revive the White Racial Consciousness and to unify White People against white hate,” reported Newsweek.
As per Fox News, four arrests have been made at the Black Lives Matter rally.
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Huntington Beach police beefed up security presence at the site anticipating potential clashes between the groups. Earlier Huntington Beach City Council passed a resolution following a 6-0 vote denouncing white supremacy and hate speech while reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity.
In a statement released on Sunday by Senators Irvine, Dave Min, Tom Umberg, Newport Beach, and assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris strongly condemning the rally.
“Our rich diversity makes Orange County and Huntington Beach stronger and better. We join the Huntington Beach City Council in condemning white supremacy and applaud it for planning a series of pro-diversity events to counter the disgusting message being promoted by the KKK and other organizers of the White Lives Matter rally this weekend,” the statement said.
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Lt. Brian Smith of Huntington Beach Police said, “There will be a large contingent of police officers working in the area, along with various assets including a regional mounted unit and aviation assets.
He added, “Additional resources from allied agencies will also be on standby should the need arise, which is common practice for large planned events, including sporting events, community events, rallies and protests.”
In a separate press release on Twitter by Orange County, they said “The Orange County NAACP does NOT support the upcoming Huntington Beach Counter-Protest to the White Lives Matter Rally on Sunday, April 11, 2021.”
“While the OC NAACP applauds the efforts of peaceful protest nationwide, we do not sanction this particular event and seek to make our position clear on this issue. Our prayers are for the safety of all individuals, and we would never impede on anyone’s right to freedom of speech. The recent articles linking our organization to this event are factually incorrect,” the press release further said.
In a report by Newsweek, a video captured a black lives matter protester at the white supremacist rally getting arrested. The witness posted the video on Twitter.
Smith said, “The first gentleman was being detained and escorted off for a noise violation when the second gentleman interfered and impeded in the officers’ duties. He was detained and taken into custody for that and found to be in possession of a metal baton, a knife and two cans of pepper stray.”
Helicopters were seen flying above the place of the rally, reported Newsweek.
