Counter-protesters throw smoke bombs into crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters, officials say

June 8, 2020 /

Tensions began to rise at a protest Friday in Northwest Bakersfield when counter-protesters threw smoke bombs into the crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.

The two groups gathered Friday evening at the intersection of Calloway Drive and Hageman Road.

One group was demonstrating for Black Lives Matter and the other was a group of counter-protesters.

Shortly before 10:00 p.m., tensions appeared to rise, and protesters from both sides began to move into the roadway to confront each other, according to a BPD news release.

After smoke bombs were thrown by a member of the counter-protesters into the crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters, members of both groups began to engage in a physical altercation in the roadway, according to BPD.

BPD officers responded and directed both groups to disperse.

No injuries were reported and no arrests were made. The ignition of the firework is under investigation.

If anyone has any further information is encouraged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111. BPD is also asking for an video footage that can act as evidence. It can be submitted in BPD’s evidence portal here.