Brutal brawl erupts between black bloc anarchists and 'Back the Blue' supporters in Washington

There were violent clashes in Washington's capital on Saturday during a "Back the Blue" rally when black bloc anarchists held their own counterprotest.

The Olympia Police Department released a notice: "Large group of opposing protesters started near the Capitol and are now moving through downtown Olympia. Near City Hall. The groups have dispersed into smaller groups and are moving throughout the area. Officers are monitoring to ensure things are peaceful from here forward."

The black bloc anarchists held their own event titled "Squash Fascists." The two groups baited each other throughout the day, as seen in footage from photojournalist Independent Media PDX. The black bloc members burned American flags and the "Back the Blue" supporters retaliated by burning a black umbrella, which many Antifa members carry to conceal their identities.

(Content Warning: Explicit and violent videos):

At one point, a brutal brawl between the two groups erupted. Individuals dressed in all black are beaten with American and Trump flag poles.

The Olympia Police Department said the groups "have largely dispersed." The department said, "An arrest was made for two counts of felony assault. An additional charge may be referred for reckless endangerment as well."

"We did make an arrest for a subject that appeared to fire at least one round from a handgun into the opposing crowd," the police tweeted. "Any witnesses to that crime should contact @OlyPD through the 911 system."

Olympia wasn't the only place where groups clashed. In St Paul, Minneapolis, groups prepared for confrontation.

In California, Black bloc militants wielded shields and chanted, "No more Proud Boys in Sacramento!" There was a heavy police presence with officers wearing riot gear. Police officers fired non-lethal munitions at rowdy demonstrators dressed in all black.

At one point, alleged Proud Boys and black bloc members clashed. Black bloc members attacked Trump supporters and left them injured.