BOSTON — Tensions were high in the Boston Common today as "Free Speech" advocates rallied together for the second time in three months.
As people descended in front of the State House, tensions grew higher and things got heated between rally participants and counter-protestors.
Boston 25 cameras were rolling the moment several counter-protesters were taken into custody. Two people were charged with disorderly conduct and another one was arrested for assaulting a police officer.
Despite the tense back and forth between the dueling rallies, the heavy police presence kept a watchful eye both on foot and bike patrol to ensure the public's safety on Saturday afternoon.
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The "Rally for the Republic" was made up of speakers and guests from the far-right and went on without a city permit this time.
This is the second far-right protest at the bandstand in three months, and some today were using the event to dispel what they call misconceptions about their beliefs.
"You know there's no Nazis here. These people are good people, they're good Americans. They love their country," said Jeanine Larkin, a rally participant.
Similar to the protests that took place in August, there was quite a large group of counter-protestors voicing their opinions in contrast to the "Rally for the Republic".
"They go under the guise that they're for free speech, but they're really for free hatred," said Lynn Murphy, a counter-protestor.
Murphy stood with the counter-protest group to promote peace and to listen.
"I'm a person who wants people to get along, so I'm for the side of love," said Murphy.
Compared to this summer's event, the crowds on both sides were smaller this time around, but tensions were still equally as high.
Police were highly acclaimed for keeping things mostly peaceful today.
"I support the police, let them know we appreciate all they do to keep us safe," said Tony, a protester who didn't disclose his last name.