Riot declared as so-called anti-fascists clash with conservative Patriot Prayer group in Oregon

Tensions between the conservative Patriot Prayer group and local anti-fascist activists led to a riot Saturday in Portland, Oregon.

Antifascist demonstrators hurled eggs, half-empty water bottles and firecrackers at the conservative group. Federal police responded by firing paintballs filled with pepper spray into the crowd, the Oregonian reported.

Officers seized utility knives, clubs and chemical sprays from demonstrators and several people were detained.

Even as police intervened, the two groups continued to heckle each other. Four demonstrators and an officer were taken to a local hospital after being hit by projectiles, the report stated.

When did this happen?

Under a heavy police presence, the conflict began shortly after 6 p.m. when Patriot Prayer demonstrators spilled into Third Avenue to begin marching through the streets of Portland.

The conservative group obtained a permit for the event. But after the scene was declared a riot, their permit was revoked. Chapman and Lownsdale squares were shut down and police ordered the rioters to leave the area or face arrest.

The event was organized by Joey Gibson, one of 13 candidates vying for the GOP nomination in the U.S. Senate race in Washington state. Gibson said he hoped the rally would "bring light into a city that's full of darkness.”

He also verbally bashed Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, according to the report.

Any arrests?

Portland Police made four arrests during the demonstrations, but they stemmed from prior investigations or warrants.

Members of the conservative group shouted at Portland officers and the anti-fascists. They also complained that police did not do enough to protect them.

About 150 members of the Patriot Prayer group attended the rally, compared to approximately 300 anti-fascists. The factions have sparred during previous demonstrations in Portland, as well. Earlier Saturday, about 5,000 people attended an unrelated march to protest immigrant families who were separated at the U.S.-Mexico border, according to reports.