San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced multiple felony charges against alleged Antifa members accused of violent counter-protest attacks during a march in support of then-President Donald Trump in Pacific Beach on Jan. 9.
Several of the defendants appeared virtually in court as details of the violence were read aloud. It’s alleged that 15 to 20 Antifa members organized and executed violent attacks on perceived members of the Patriot March rally.
Court documents detail how the defendants used chairs, sticks, glass bottles and fists to attack people, including minors, sending one to the hospital. Also, a dog, a journalist and a vandalized business were collateral damage.
The district attorney’s office described how the defendants threw bottles, eggs, rocks and sprayed mace at officers before the crowd was finally dispersed. There are 16 known victims of the violence.
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At least two of the defendants pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit a riot, illegal use of tear gas, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and vandalism.
If convicted, the defendants face a sentencing range of probation up to 10 years and eight months in prison.
