Support police rally in Kenosha briefly disrupted by clashes

Listen to this article

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Protesters demonstrating against the use of police force briefly disrupted a Kenosha rally organized to show support for law enforcement on Saturday.

More than 200 people packed Civic Center Park for the Back the Blue rally. Many attendees carried signs saying “Back the Badge” and “Blue Lives Matter,” the Kenosha News reported. Protesters gathered across the street with signs reading “Black Lives Matter” and “Jail Killer Cops.”

A confrontation between those attending the rally and protesters broke out just before the event. A protester was tackled to the ground and a woman began shouting at the crowd. Police immediately responded, and there were no arrests or injuries.

Rally-goers countered with chants of “We back the blue” and “USA!”

The rally featured a prayer for law enforcement officers, the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

“I am just an everyday citizen who wanted to show her support of law enforcement,” organizer Keri Martin said before the event.

Former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke was among the speakers. A vocal supporter of law enforcement and the Trump administration, Clarke criticized orders for police to stand down.

“The police as a profession doesn’t need any reform,” Clarke said.