Showdown at Trump Tower: MAGA supporters clash with protesters outside president's NYC home on site of BLM mural, while anti-cop demonstrators brawl with a Blue Lives Matter march - as rival protests continue across the nation

  • Dozens of pro- and anti-Trump protesters clashed in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday
  • The clashes took place just days after a Black Lives Matter mural was painted on Fifth Avenue in front of tower 
  • In Brooklyn, some 400 people demonstrated in support of the New York Police Department 
  • They were met by some 20 counter-demonstrators carrying signs that read 'Black Lives Matter' 
  • In Los Angeles, protesters denounced the police and the LA County Sheriff's Department on Saturday
  • Meanwhile, some 100 LAPD officers and their supporters held a rally to support the cops in downtown LA
  • In Burlington, North Carolina, Black Lives Matter protesters clashed with supporters of Confederate statues 

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Supporters and opponents of President Trump clashed in front of his New York City residence on Fifth Avenue on Saturday just two days after a large Black Lives Matter mural was painted on the street next to the entrance.

The tense exchanges between the warring political sides came as the city and the nation continued to be roiled by protests against police brutality.

In Brooklyn, some 400 people turned out for a ‘Back the Blue’ demonstration in support of the New York Police Department, but the atmosphere grew tense after they were met by some 20 counter demonstrators carrying Black Lives Matter signs.

In Los Angeles, Black Lives Matter protesters took a knee in the middle of a downtown intersection as part of a rally in remembrance of Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old black woman who was fatally shot in her home by Louisville police in March during a botched drug raid on her home. 

Supporters and opponents of President Trump argue and make angry gestures in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Supporters and opponents of President Trump argue and make angry gestures in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Several Trump supporters take a selfie in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Several Trump supporters take a selfie in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Trump supporters and critics of the president are seen above angrily gesturing toward each other near Trump Tower in Manhattan on Saturday

Trump supporters and critics of the president are seen above angrily gesturing toward each other near Trump Tower in Manhattan on Saturday

Supporters of President Trump give a thumbs down to opponents during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Supporters of President Trump give a thumbs down to opponents during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Supporters of President Trump gesture toward opponents during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Supporters of President Trump gesture toward opponents during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

In North Carolina, anti-racism protesters marched toward a courthouse in Graham demanding the removal of a Confederate statue, but they were met by angry backers of the Confederacy who want the monument to remain. 

In Manhattan, about a dozen Trump supporters carrying signs that read ‘Trump 2020’ and wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the words ‘All Lives Matter’ gathered in front of Trump Tower on Saturday afternoon.

Several of them were wearing red Make America Great Again hats while wearing variations of the American flag.

A few of them unfurled a huge American flag that had the words ‘Trump’ and ‘Keep America Safe’ scrawled across the stars and stripes.

Several of the pro-Trump demonstrators were members of the Proud Boys, an all-male far-right organization which describes itself as a fraternal club of ‘Western chauvinists’ who are ‘anti-racism.’

The US Southern Poverty Law Center, a group that monitors hate speech in America, labeled the organization a hate group, which Proud Boys denies.

The Trump supporters could be seen yelling and gesturing toward a group of about a dozen or so opponents of the president who were lined up behind a metal barricade just across the street from Trump Tower.

Several photos from the scene show people from both sides flashing each other the middle finger as they argue.

Members of the Proud Boys group unfurl a large 'thin blue line' flag with the words 'Trump' and 'Keep America Safe' in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Members of the Proud Boys group unfurl a large 'thin blue line' flag with the words 'Trump' and 'Keep America Safe' in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

A Trump supporters stands behind the flag during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

A Trump supporters stands behind the flag during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

A supporter of the president wearing a red 'Keep America Great' hat and a 'Make America Great Again' face covering gestures during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

A supporter of the president wearing a red 'Keep America Great' hat and a 'Make America Great Again' face covering gestures during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Supporters of the president hold signs and chant slogans praising Trump during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Supporters of the president hold signs and chant slogans praising Trump during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

A Trump supporter holds a 'Trump 2020' sign and an American flag during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

A Trump supporter holds a 'Trump 2020' sign and an American flag during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Trump supporters with shirts that say 'All Lives Matter' and waving banners that read 'Trump 2020' pose for photographs during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

Trump supporters with shirts that say 'All Lives Matter' and waving banners that read 'Trump 2020' pose for photographs during a demonstration in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday

The Trump supporters were seen engaging in heated discussions with opponents of the president near Trump Tower on Saturday

The Trump supporters were seen engaging in heated discussions with opponents of the president near Trump Tower on Saturday

A Trump opponent holds a sign that reads 'I will survive Donald Trump' as supporters of the president confront him near Trump Tower on Saturday

A Trump opponent holds a sign that reads 'I will survive Donald Trump' as supporters of the president confront him near Trump Tower on Saturday

New Yorkers walk along the pedestrian crossing that is manned by several New York Police Department officers near Trump Tower in Manhattan on Saturday

New Yorkers walk along the pedestrian crossing that is manned by several New York Police Department officers near Trump Tower in Manhattan on Saturday

One anti-Trump protester was holding a sign which read: ‘I will survive Donald Trump.’

At least two Trump supporters wearing shirts in support of the police confronted the man, who appeared to be speaking through a bullhorn.

While images suggest that tempers flared, there did not appear to be any violent incidents or arrest.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the New York Police Department for comment.

Meanwhile, a far larger demonstration was taking place across the East River in the Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn.

Demonstrators hold signs praising the New York Police Department during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Demonstrators hold signs praising the New York Police Department during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

One woman waves a 'thin blue line' American flag from the front seat of her car while another is dressed in what appears to be a Transformers costume during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

One woman waves a 'thin blue line' American flag from the front seat of her car while another is dressed in what appears to be a Transformers costume during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Another man waves the Stars and Stripes from the front seat of a car during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Another man waves the Stars and Stripes from the front seat of a car during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Some 400 people turned out to express their support for law enforcement during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Some 400 people turned out to express their support for law enforcement during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Several demonstrators are seen waving flags during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Several demonstrators are seen waving flags during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

One woman wears paraphernalia in praise of President Trump during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

One woman wears paraphernalia in praise of President Trump during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A car with American and thin blue line flags is seen above during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A car with American and thin blue line flags is seen above during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

One man dons an American flag as he looks on during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

One man dons an American flag as he looks on during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A pro-police demonstrator is seen above holding two flags during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A pro-police demonstrator is seen above holding two flags during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Several uniformed NYPD officers are seen above during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Several uniformed NYPD officers are seen above during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A man sits on his Harley Davidson motorcycle while a group of NYPD officers looks on during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A man sits on his Harley Davidson motorcycle while a group of NYPD officers looks on during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Some 400 people rallied in a march under the banner ‘Back the Blue,’ according to WABC-TV.

They held signs and chanted slogans as they marched down Bay Ridge Parkway.

The demonstration was a rare one in support of police, who have come under fire for their tactics since the protests triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in the custody of Minneapolis police. During his arrest, he was filmed as one of the officers, Derek Chauvin, kneeled on his neck for more than 8 minutes.

Floyd’s death ignited nationwide outrage and sparked mass demonstrations and rioting in dozens of American cities.

The New York Police Department, which has been harshly criticized after several officers were seen using excessive force against protesters in the days and weeks following Floyd’s death, had its budget slashed by $1billion.

The city council’s decision has prompted warnings from pro-law enforcement circles that slimmer budgets for police will lead to less officers on the street and a rise in violent crime.

A woman holds a thin blue line flag and a sign that reads 'We thank you! We support you!' with an NYPD logo during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A woman holds a thin blue line flag and a sign that reads 'We thank you! We support you!' with an NYPD logo during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A man carrying a thin blue line flag is seen above during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A man carrying a thin blue line flag is seen above during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A man wearing a t-shirt that denounces Democratic Senator Charles Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as 'commies' is seen embracing a friend during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A man wearing a t-shirt that denounces Democratic Senator Charles Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as 'commies' is seen embracing a friend during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Two men hold up a 'Trump 2020 - Keep America Great' banner during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

Two men hold up a 'Trump 2020 - Keep America Great' banner during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A woman wears a t-shirt denouncing Mayor Bill de Blasio during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A woman wears a t-shirt denouncing Mayor Bill de Blasio during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A sign calls for the defunding of the New York City Council during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

A sign calls for the defunding of the New York City Council during a Blue Lives Matter rally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Saturday

So far this summer, several large American cities, including New York, Chicago, and Atlanta, have reported alarming increases in violent crime.

‘We come out all the time to defend the police, and why we do it is because they are that thin blue line between civilization and chaos,’ said Rosemary Rizzo, one of the demonstrators.

‘We love you, NYPD and all law enforcement, government.’

‘They have been there, and they will always be there - are they perfect?’ said Desiree Bernstein.

‘No, but are you? Hello, America - it's time to wake up.’

Anti-racism protesters with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community march in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Anti-racism protesters with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community march in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Some 300 people carrying signs that read 'Black Lives Matter' turned out in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Some 300 people carrying signs that read 'Black Lives Matter' turned out in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

The protesters were demanding the removal of a Confederate statue near the courthouse in Graham on Saturday

The protesters were demanding the removal of a Confederate statue near the courthouse in Graham on Saturday

Supporters of the Confederacy and the Confederate monument at the Alamance County Courthouse yell at protesters from the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community that marched to hold a rally in front of a Confederate monument in Graham

Supporters of the Confederacy and the Confederate monument at the Alamance County Courthouse yell at protesters from the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community that marched to hold a rally in front of a Confederate monument in Graham

A supporter of the Confederacy makes a gesture during demonstrations and a counter-protest in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

A supporter of the Confederacy makes a gesture during demonstrations and a counter-protest in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Anti-racist protesters raise fists toward supporters of the Confederacy at the Alamance County Courthouse at at a rally with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Anti-racist protesters raise fists toward supporters of the Confederacy at the Alamance County Courthouse at at a rally with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

The mayor of Graham, Jerry Peterman, issued a a state of emergency on July 10 around the courthouse ahead of the protest near a Confederate statue

The mayor of Graham, Jerry Peterman, issued a a state of emergency on July 10 around the courthouse ahead of the protest near a Confederate statue

The Reverend Greg Drumwright, an organizer and activist, addresses protesters with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community march in Graham on Saturday

The Reverend Greg Drumwright, an organizer and activist, addresses protesters with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community march in Graham on Saturday

Anti-racist protesters raise fists toward supporters of the Confederacy at the Alamance County Courthouse at at a rally with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Anti-racist protesters raise fists toward supporters of the Confederacy at the Alamance County Courthouse at at a rally with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson calms Gary Williamson, founder of Taking Back Alamance County, a neo-Confederate group, after supporters from the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community rang the bell outside the courthouse in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson calms Gary Williamson, founder of Taking Back Alamance County, a neo-Confederate group, after supporters from the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community rang the bell outside the courthouse in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Onlookers raise a fist in solidarity as anti-racist protesters with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community march to the Confederate monument at the Alamance County courthouse in Graham

Onlookers raise a fist in solidarity as anti-racist protesters with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community march to the Confederate monument at the Alamance County courthouse in Graham

Anti-racist protesters raise fists toward supporters of the Confederacy at the Alamance County Courthouse at at a rally with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Anti-racist protesters raise fists toward supporters of the Confederacy at the Alamance County Courthouse at at a rally with the Burlington-Alamance March For Justice and Community in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Supporters of the Confederate monument make their views known during the demonstration in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Supporters of the Confederate monument make their views known during the demonstration in Graham, North Carolina, on Saturday

Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson tries to calm supporters of the Confederate monument in Graham on Saturday

Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson tries to calm supporters of the Confederate monument in Graham on Saturday

Mayor Jerry Peterman¿s declaration said there is an 'imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, loss of life' and created a restricted area that includes the square with the Confederate statue. It is in effect until further notice

Mayor Jerry Peterman’s declaration said there is an 'imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, loss of life' and created a restricted area that includes the square with the Confederate statue. It is in effect until further notice

Law enforcement officers guarded the monument as part of a state of emergency declared Friday by the mayor of Graham, located 55 miles northwest of Raleigh

Law enforcement officers guarded the monument as part of a state of emergency declared Friday by the mayor of Graham, located 55 miles northwest of Raleigh

At one point during the rally, 20 counter-demonstrators carrying Black Lives Matter signs confronted some of the protesters.

After a few heated discussions, tensions fizzled and the rally proceeded without incident.

New York City wasn’t the only place where demonstrators both for and against the police clashed.

In Los Angeles, police officers rallied outside LAPD headquarters in downtown on Saturday to push back against calls to defund the department, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The Los Angeles City Council recently voted to slash the LAPD’s budget by $150million, which will instead be used to support services for minorities.

LAPD officers were angry over the cuts. They said it would hurt morale in the force since it cuts overtime pay and hiring.

The LAPD officers said they have worked hard to build ties with members of the community and have risked their lives to keep people safe.

‘What I’m concerned about is that the neighborhoods that will pay the worst price are the most economically depressed neighborhoods,’ said Rusty Redican, an 18-year LAPD veteran who works the beach patrol in West LA.

‘Ninety-five percent of the people in South LA are great people who just want to live their lives and not be preyed on by gang members and drug dealers.’

LAPD Commander Ruby Flores tweeted in response to the rally: ‘Thank you to those who came out to support #LAPD and law enforcement.

‘It is a time in our history that we need this more than ever.

‘We need to always identify and remove bad cops while SIMULTANEOUSLY lifting up and thanking the good cops.

‘It’s not a one or the other. It’s BOTH.’

About 100 officers and their supporters waved signs that read 'Defend the police' and 'Defend LAPD.'

But they were met by a small group of counter-demonstrators who said that the police had too much power and was not being held to account for abuses.

'You don’t get to sit here and tell us our lives don’t matter because your family is police, or the police will protect you because of your complexion,' said Tara Perry, a 36-year-old paralegal and member of Black Pact. 

'Because they get so much money and power, they abuse it,' said Ariana Waters, 27, a researcher at a cancer center. 

'The more cops we have, the more crime we have. All you have is hammers, so everyone is a nail.'  

A person holds a placard during a protest in Compton on Saturday calling for Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies to be held accountable for the shooting death of 18-year-old security guard Andres Guardado

A person holds a placard during a protest in Compton on Saturday calling for Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies to be held accountable for the shooting death of 18-year-old security guard Andres Guardado

The Los Angeles County coroner released an autopsy report July 10 revealing that Guardado was shot five times in the back during a foot pursuit on June 18

The Los Angeles County coroner released an autopsy report July 10 revealing that Guardado was shot five times in the back during a foot pursuit on June 18

A person holds up a placard and a gloved fist in Compton on Saturday during a protest calling for Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies to be held accountable for the shooting death of 18-year-old security guard Andres Guardado

A person holds up a placard and a gloved fist in Compton on Saturday during a protest calling for Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies to be held accountable for the shooting death of 18-year-old security guard Andres Guardado

A protester is seen above holding a sign that reads 'Justice for Andres Guardado' in Compton on Saturday

A protester is seen above holding a sign that reads 'Justice for Andres Guardado' in Compton on Saturday

Waters said that the city was better off taking money from the police and using it to solve societal problems like homelessness and mental illness. 

In the Compton section of Los Angeles, Black Lives Matter demonstrators denounced the police just days after it was ruled that the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old Hispanic teen by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies was ruled unjustified.

Andres Guardado Pineda died on June 18 from 'multiple gunshot wounds' after he was shot five times in the back, according to the report released on Friday.

All five shots were determined to be fatal and the report showed he also sustained two graze wounds to his arm. His death was ruled a homicide.

The report confirms findings of an independent autopsy ordered by the teen's family that was released on Wednesday.

Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner Dr Jonathan Lucas on Friday lifted the security hold on the report, overriding the LA Sheriff's Department, citing a matter of public interest.

'After careful thought and deliberation, I am releasing the autopsy report of Andres Guardado Pineda. In doing so, I have given careful consideration to the major variables in this case - supporting the administration of justice, as well as the public's right to know,' Dr Lucas said in a statement.

Protesters in Compton denounced the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department for the fatal shooting last month of 18-year-old Andres Guardado Pineda

Protesters in Compton denounced the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department for the fatal shooting last month of 18-year-old Andres Guardado Pineda

He sustained a graze to his left forearm with a forward trajectory, the preliminary results state
An independent autopsy found he was shot in the back five times and the fatal wound was in his trunk

An independent autopsy (right) found he was shot in the back five times and the fatal wound was in his trunk. He sustained a graze to his left forearm with a forward trajectory

The LA County coroner's report ruled Guardado's death a homicide.  All five shots were determined to be fatal and the report showed he also suffered two graze wounds to his arm

The LA County coroner's report ruled Guardado's death a homicide.  All five shots were determined to be fatal and the report showed he also suffered two graze wounds to his arm. His death was ruled a homicide.

'I do not believe that these are mutually exclusive ideals. Both are important, particularly amid the ongoing national discussion about race, policing and civil rights. I believe that government can do its part by being more timely and more transparent in sharing information that the public demands and has a right to see.'

Guardado was shot dead last month outside an auto repair shop in Gardena, where he worked security, at the hands of LA County Sheriff's Deputy Miguel Vega.

In an emotional press conference last week, the family demanded the sheriff's department release all information pertaining to the fatal shooting.

'Today is the 13th day since this incident occurred and we have no details, we have no reports,' his father Cristobal Guardado said.

'We are asking Villanueva to release all of the documents necessary in this case. The coroner's report, the police reports, we need more information…it is very painful for me to be here today with no information.'

Police say Guardado was shot when he fled from an auto repair shop after he 'produced a handgun', however his family has denied he was armed.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people turned out for a ‘march for justice’ in Burlington, North Carolina, on Saturday.

‘No justice, no peace,’ the protesters were seen yelling.

Others chanted ‘Whose streets? Our streets!’ as they made their way from Burlington to nearby Graham, according to WFMY-TV.

The protesters marched 1.5 miles from Burlington into downtown Graham, where the century-old statue of a soldier is located, WXII-TV reported. The monument is in front of the Alamance County Historic Courthouse.

The protest featured speeches calling for an end to racial oppression. Many demonstrators held signs and at one point chanted, 'Racism, we are going to tear your kingdom down.' 

Demonstrators block a police vehicle with two officers inside during a protest in memory of Breonna Taylor in Los Angeles on Saturday

Demonstrators block a police vehicle with two officers inside during a protest in memory of Breonna Taylor in Los Angeles on Saturday

Demonstrators kneel while blocking an intersection during a protest in memory of Breonna Taylor on Saturday in Los Angeles

Demonstrators kneel while blocking an intersection during a protest in memory of Breonna Taylor on Saturday in Los Angeles

Demonstrators take a knee during a protest in memory of Breonna Taylor in Los Angeles on Saturday

Demonstrators take a knee during a protest in memory of Breonna Taylor in Los Angeles on Saturday

Taylor was killed in her apartment by members of the Louisville, Kentucky, Metro Police Department on March 13

Taylor was killed in her apartment by members of the Louisville, Kentucky, Metro Police Department on March 13

Alycia Pascual-Pena (left) and Marley Ralph (right) kneel while holding a Black Lives Matter banner during a protest in memory of Breonna Taylor in Los Angeles on Saturday

Alycia Pascual-Pena (left) and Marley Ralph (right) kneel while holding a Black Lives Matter banner during a protest in memory of Breonna Taylor in Los Angeles on Saturday

Law enforcement officers guarded the monument as part of a state of emergency declared Friday by the mayor of Graham, located 55 miles northwest of Raleigh. 

The monument has been the target of protests for several years, and calls to bring down it down have intensified since Floyd's death.

Mayor Jerry Peterman’s declaration said there is an 'imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, loss of life' and created a restricted area that includes the square with the Confederate statue. It is in effect until further notice.

US District Judge Catherine Eagles on Monday blocked a city ordinance that requires permits for protests and limits activities of demonstrators. 

Eagles issued a temporary restraining order halting enforcement for two weeks, pending a hearing on a request for a longer injunction.

The plaintiffs, including the NAACP’s Alamance County chapter, contend the ordinance violates the US Constitution because it burdens their rights to protest and assemble in Graham. 

The ordinance requires protesters to apply in writing for a protest permit at least 24 hours in advance. The ordinance also illegally restricts the size and conduct of permitted protests, the lawsuit states.

Eagles wrote she would issue the order in part because the plaintiffs were likely to win on constitutional grounds.

The lawsuit also challenges a May 31 order by Peterman that prohibited people from gathering or demonstrating on any public street, sidewalk or public property between 9pm and 6am.

The protesters, who were demanding the removal of Confederate statues, were met by counter-demonstrators.

Both sides engaged in angry exchanges, though the arguments did not escalate beyond verbal blows. 

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