WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump on Saturday applauded the counter-protesters in Boston for "speaking out against bigotry and hate." "I want to applaud the many protestors in Boston who are speaking out against bigotry and hate. Our country will soon come together as one," Trump tweeted.
Minutes before, Trump posted another message suggesting that protests may be necessary to help fix the country's social and political divides. "Our great country has been divided for decades. Sometimes you need protest in order to heal, & we will heal, & be stronger than ever before," Trump tweeted.
A small number of right-wing "Free Speech Rally" demonstrators disbanded early from Boston Common after they were confronted by thousands of counter-protesters shouting anti-Nazi and anti-racism slogans. Boston police have arrested 27 people during protests around 'Free Speech' rally. Earlier, Trump had called the "Free Speech" rally protestors 'anti-police agitators'. "Looks like many anti-police agitators in Boston. Police are looking tough and smart! Thank you," Trump tweeted.
There were reportedly, several clashes and arrests throughout the day, but the "Boston Free Speech" rally and the counter protests that attracted thousands did not attract the same level of violence that was seen a week earlier at a rally in Charlottsville, Virginia.
In the aftermath of the violent (and ultimately deadly) white supremacist protest in Charlottesville, Virginia last week, and with a similar event planned for the Boston Commons on Saturday, thousands of people turned out in an overwhelmingly peaceful anti-racist response. Thousands of counter-protesters gathered in Boston Common and marched through city streets on Saturday morning in efforts to drown out the planned 'Free Speech' rally that many feared would be attended by white supremacist groups.
After a short confrontation between crowds and police at Boylston and Tremont streets, and as crowds of counter-protestors began to dissipate, tensions seemed to ease in some areas around Boston Common by the afternoon.