NEW YORK — Three people were arrested in New York City after violent clashes after a speech by the founder of a far-right group, and police said Saturday that they were reviewing video of the clashes and could make additional arrests.
The violence Friday night followed a speech by Gavin McInnes, the founder of the Proud Boys, at the Metropolitan Republican Club. The male-only Proud Boys describe themselves as “western chauvinists.”
Videos posted on You-Tube show clashes between the Proud Boys and groups that were protesting McInnes’ speech.
No serious injuries were reported.
The three arrested face assault charges and were awaiting arraignment Saturday in Manhattan criminal court.
Some elected officials expressed anger over the violence and blamed the Proud Boys.
“I am disturbed and disgusted by the videos I’ve seen of members of the neo-fascist, white supremacist Proud Boys group engaging in hate-fueled mob violence on the streets of New York City,” said Public Advocate Letitia James, a Democrat who is running for state attorney general.
The Republican club was vandalized ahead of Friday’s speech by McInnes. Statewide Republican officials said the damage included smashed windows, a spray-painted door and a keypad lock covered in glue. A note left at the scene claimed that the damage was “just the beginning.”