Pro-Palestinian rally in downtown Orlando ends in brawl; 8 people arrested, police say

ORLANDO, Florida. – According to Orlando police, eight people were arrested Saturday afternoon after a peaceful pro-Palestinian rally at Lake Eola Park ended in a scuffle with someone who expressed a different opinion.

Police said about 20 people held a peaceful walk and demonstration at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. The group walked through 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-Palestinian protesters were arguing with someone who expressed a different opinion.

“As officers attempted to separate the two parties, a member of the pro-Palestinian protest group lunged at an OPD officer and the opposing citizen in a physically threatening manner. The OPD officer then arrested the protester for disturbing the peace,” Orlando Police said in a press release.

“Other protesters attempted to prevent the arrest, which led to several altercations,” police said.

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

• Improper conduct

• Bodily harm to a police officer

• Violent resistance to arrest

• Resisting arrest without violence

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

Further details were not initially announced.