Communist protesters created a scrum Wednesday at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland as they attempted to set the American flag on fire.
A fight over the left-wing demonstrators' actions led to multiple arrests, just blocks from the Quicken Loans Arena, site of the RNC.
Delegates, media and others walking into the Republican National Convention from the Prospect Avenue/4th Street entrance will now pass by a crime scene.
Multiple people have been arrested as a result of a fight between demonstrators over a flag burning Wednesday afternoon. Detectives have taped off the scene and are placing evidence markers where the flag was burned and the fight broke out.
Two Cleveland Police officers were assaulted and have minor injuries, according to Cleveland Police.
The fight occurred at 4th Street and Prospect Avenue, just blocks from the Quicken Loans Arena where the Republican National Convention is being held. Video from the scene shows a group of revolutionary communist protesters and an American flag. There's a scuffle and a visual of someone spraying a substance into the middle of the crowd, followed by pushing and shoving and protesters on the ground.
The revolutionary communist Joey Johnson was expected to attempt to burn a flag Wednesday afternoon. It was anticipated as the type of event that could draw rival protesters and set the stage for potential clashes.
At least some of those arrested after the fight were wearing revolutionary communist t-shirts. Until this incident, only five people had been arrested.
CNBC reported on the police trying to stop the flag burners and the "rugby scrum" created by the mash of people.