Right-Wing, Pro-Trump Protests Turn Violent in London, Multiple Arrests Reported

Multiple arrests were reported on Saturday as supporters of prominent right-wing activist Tommy Robinson were joined by a pro-Trump rally on the streets of London.  The joined rally quickly devolved into violence.

“A total of 12 people were arrested today as thousands gathered in support of Donald Trump and jailed far-right leader Tommy Robinson,” Metro UK reported on Saturday.

Tommy Robinson — whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon –is the founder of the English Defense League, an anti-Islam group. He is being held in jail on contempt of court charges. After a June rally for Robinson turned violent, Scotland Yard imposed restrictions on both the Free Tommy and Welcome Trump rally “due to concerns of serious public disorder and disruption.”

A number of clashes were reported on social media and various outlets. A union leader speaking to counter-protesters was also injured.

The Metro UK reports:

Steve Hedley, senior assistant general secretary of the RMT [National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers], was assaulted by supporters of the US president and Robinson, according to anti-fascism campaigners Hope Not Hate, but the perpetrators could not be immediately verified independently. Witnesses said a mob ambushed two men at the Westminster Arms pub in central London on Sunday afternoon in a targeted attack. ‘They (the attackers) knew what they were doing,’ one witness, who asked not to be named, said.

Hope Not Hate also tweeted out an image of the injured Hedley.

Hedley also said in an interview he was attacked by “thugs.”

The protest comes one day after massive anti-Trump protests in London. Trump is currently in Scotland where he was met by protesters while playing golf.

[image via screengrab]

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