The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department said eight people were arrested Saturday during a 10-hour “protest and standoff” that stemmed from an Eritrean “cultural event.”
Clashes erupted between rival groups of Eritreans, and police confirmed that officers trying to disperse the unlawful crowds were attacked by people wielding sticks, rocks and other items.
Crowds also set a tractor on fire in North Carolina’s largest city, and police seized a total of two firearms over the course of several hours.
Fox News Digital reached out to the department Sunday seeking the identities and more information about those eight arrested.
The incident first began shortly after 11:30 a.m. Saturday, when CMPD’s Providence Division responded to “an unlawful protest happening in the parking lot of a business hosting an Eritrean cultural event” on Monroe Road. “Protesters were on private property and were spilling out into the road, which prompted officers to close Monroe Road. Dispersal orders were repeatedly given to protesters throughout the duration of the protest, however they refused to disperse,” police said in a press release. “Charlotte Fire and MEDIC responded to assist.”
Shortly after 3:00 p.m., CMPD Bike Unit officers attempted to move protesters out of the street.
“Several protesters threw objects and pushed back against the officers. Officers then deployed pepper spray,” the department confirmed. “Multiple protesters and officers were treated on scene for injuries related to the pepper spray.”