Violent actions probed at rally
LOS ANGELES — A reporter and two photographers said Sunday that they were physically assaulted by pro-Trump demonstrators at a Make America Great Again rally in Huntington Beach and are seeking the public’s help in identifying at least one of the people responsible.
Frank Tristan, an intern at the OC Weekly, and photographers Julie Leopo and Brian Feinzimer were attacked before one of several counterdemonstrators pepper sprayed an organizer of Saturday’s event. After Jennifer Sterling was pepper-sprayed, several fights broke out.
A video of the confrontation shows Sterling trying to intervene after a Trump supporter pushed and shoved Feinzimer, who was shooting pictures of Leopo being hit with an American flag, then repeatedly punched Tristan. A moment later, Sterling is pepper-sprayed and can be seen staggering around, rubbing her eyes before falling to the ground.
“My photographers and intern were just trying to do their jobs,” OC Weekly editor Gustavo Arellano said Sunday. “For that, they got harassed by Trump supporters, then shoved and punched when they tried to defend each other. I’m proud of them, and we will not be silenced by biddies or bros.”
On Sunday, Leopo posted a picture of the man in the white shirt and faded blue cap on her Facebook page. She asked her followers for help in identifying the man who assaulted her and two other colleagues.
“We’ll be looking to refer him to law enforcement,” the post states.
Saturday’s noontime rally Bolsa Chica State Beach drew hundreds of Trump supporters and was billed as a show of patriotism, a way to celebrate first responders, military veterans, the vice president and the president.
