Pro-Palestine rally in downtown Orlando ends in scuffle; 8 arrested, police say

ORLANDO, Fla. - Eight people were arrested on Saturday afternoon after a peaceful pro-Palestine rally at Lake Eola Park ended in a scuffle with someone who had an opposing view, according to Orlando police.

Police said about 20 people held a peaceful walk and demonstration at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. The group walked around the area from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., police said.

Fifteen minutes later, around 5:30 p.m., police responded to a disturbance near the Publix grocery store on East Central Boulevard, where some of the pro-Palestine demonstrators were arguing with someone who had an opposing view.

"When officers attempted to separate the two parties, a member of the Pro-Palestine demonstration group lunged toward an OPD officer and the opposing citizen in a physically threatening manner. Consequently, the OPD officer arrested the demonstrator for Disorderly Conduct," Orlando police said in a news release.

"Other demonstrators attempted to interfere with the arrest, leading to several altercations," police said.

A total of eight people were arrested on various charges, including:

• Disorderly conduct
• Battery on a law enforcement officer
• Resisting arrest with violence
• Resisting arrest without violence

"The Orlando Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all who choose to assemble peacefully. Our priority is to protect the well-being of our residents, visitors, and businesses," police said in a statement.

No other details were immediately released.