National

KKK members linked to violent brawl released

By AMANDA LEE MYERS

Associated Press
In this Feb. 27, 2016 photo provided by the B. Levin Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism, a man dressed in Ku Klux Klan garb, center, and a counter-protester, left, confront each other during a KKK rally at Pearson Park in Anaheim, Calif. This city is home to Disneyland, the self-proclaimed Happiest Place on Earth. It's also the place where the City Council once had a majority of Ku Klux Klan members and a Klanrally in a city park attracted 10,000 people. The KKK returned to that park Saturday, and violence ensued.
In this Feb. 27, 2016 photo provided by the B. Levin Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism, a man dressed in Ku Klux Klan garb, center, and a counter-protester, left, confront each other during a KKK rally at Pearson Park in Anaheim, Calif. This city is home to Disneyland, the self-proclaimed Happiest Place on Earth. It's also the place where the City Council once had a majority of Ku Klux Klan members and a Klanrally in a city park attracted 10,000 people. The KKK returned to that park Saturday, and violence ensued. Brian Levin AP
ANAHEIM, Calif.

Police say five Ku Klux Klan members who were arrested following a violent brawl in Anaheim have been released because evidence show they acted in self-defense.

Anaheim Sgt. Daron Wyatt said Sunday that seven people who remain in custody were seen beating beating, stomping and attacking the Klansmen with wooden posts.

A police statement said the clash, which erupted after six Klan members arrived at a park Saturday for a planned anti-immigration rally, was started by more than a larger group of counter protesters who had “the intent of perpetrating violence.”

Police said the Klansmen stabbed three counter protesters with knives and the decorative end of a flag pole, but said they had a right to defend themselves when attacked.

Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW