BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A video showing a verbal and physical altercation between two groups in our community has gone viral. The video taken in Northwest Bakersfield now has millions of views.
23ABC was able to speak with both sides.
On the corner of Coffee Road and Rosedale Highway, daily, you can usually see two groups, one in support of Black Lives Matter and the other in support of President Trump. Saturday, the two sides collided, and a video was recorded, showing an altercation between the two groups which police say they're now investigating.
This video has now been viewed more than 4 million times.
THEY ARE THE TERRORISTS pic.twitter.com/sTxN5NUWEK
— Erika Harris (@ErikaHa11772363) October 10, 2020
It was taken at the corner of Coffee Road and Rosedale Highway.
The video shows a heated confrontation between individuals holding Black Lives Matter signs and another group wearing Trump 2020 clothing and holding American flags.
The argument is only verbal until a man touches a dog.
Erika Harris is the activist who took the video, she says she was there to express counter views to those in support of President Trump.
"I think it's our American right to stand next to someone with different views and to be able to speak upon them, without fearing I am going to get attacked or start something, like especially those who call themselves patriots. You aren't a real patriot if you are attacking someone else for a different belief," said Harris.
Harris says she's been at the location for 18 days in opposition to the Trump 2020 booth.
She recalls the moments leading up to the confrontation.
"We want everyone to know that we did try to keep the peace and we tried to deescalate the whole situation a lot and that's why my girls stood in front of him. We didn't want a fight to break out and we know some of them carry guns and we don't want anyone who comes out to support to get hurt. We want everyone who comes out to have a good time and know we are trying to help Kern County," said Harris.
Darryle Abbot, who was also there during the incident in support of President Trump has this to say about what happened.
"I was there in person and saw the aftermath of what took place and it was disrespect on both sides and people are not respecting each other on what they want to do out here," said Abbott. Everyone has a right to be out here and sit and talk to each other."
Bakersfield Police say they're investigating the incident and looking to speak to the man seen in the video with the beard and black shirt.
They say they receive reports of animal cruelty at the same location but found no evidence of that happening.
Police say they have sent patrol cars to monitor the area.
Despite the altercation, both groups say they still plan to show up and support what they believe.
"Sometimes we need to button our lip and walk away. If you are solely out here to start trouble, to whatever side you are on, you need to ask your people to leave. We have to make sure this stuff doesn't happen and when it amplifies we got to move and say enough is enough," said Abbot.
"For anyone who comes out, expect a lot of mouthing but do not act upon on it. We are here to have a good time and if we have to defend each other we will. But we all come out here peacefully," said Harris.
