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Pro-Palestine rally in downtown Orlando ends in scuffle; 8 arrested, police say

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Updated  September 21, 2024 9:48pm EDT
Orlando
FOX 35 Orlando

8 arrested after pro Palestine rally ends in Orlando, police say

Eight people are in custody following a Pro-Palestine gathering in Downtown Orlando, according to the Orlando Police Department. Officials said a peaceful demonstration with 20 individuals took place around 4:00 p.m. at Lake Eola. Officials said the group walked around the area peacefully as they were monitored by officers before concluding around 5:15 p.m. Investigators said around 5:30 p.m. officers responded to a report of a disturbance near the Publix on East Central Boulevard. Upon arrival to the call, officials found some of the demonstrators arguing with a person officers said had opposing views from them.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Eight people were arrested on Saturday afternoon after a peaceful pro-Palestine rally at Lake Eola Park ended in a scuffle with someone who had an opposing view, according to Orlando police.

Police said about 20 people held a peaceful walk and demonstration at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. The group walked around the area from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., police said. 

Fifteen minutes later, around 5:30 p.m., police responded to a disturbance near the Publix grocery store on East Central Boulevard, where some of the pro-Palestine demonstrators were arguing with someone who had an opposing view. 

"When officers attempted to separate the two parties, a member of the Pro-Palestine demonstration group lunged toward an OPD officer and the opposing citizen in a physically threatening manner. Consequently, the OPD officer arrested the demonstrator for Disorderly Conduct," Orlando police said in a news release.

"Other demonstrators attempted to interfere with the arrest, leading to several altercations," police said.

A total of eight people were arrested on various charges, including:

  • Disorderly conduct
  • Battery on a law enforcement officer
  • Resisting arrest with violence
  • Resisting arrest without violence

"The Orlando Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all who choose to assemble peacefully. Our priority is to protect the well-being of our residents, visitors, and businesses," police said in a statement.

No other details were immediately released.