Klan Rally Stabbing: 5 KKKers Freed, Acted in 'Self-Defense'

A Ku Klux Klan stabbing occurred at a weekend brawl in Anaheim, California, but five Klan members among the 12 people arrested were released from jail on Sunday after authorities determined they were acting in self-defense, reported KTLA-TV.

A "walking protest" at Pearson Park in Anaheim turned into a brawl when the Klan members were met by about 30 counter-protesters. Three counter-protesters were stabbed and two Klan members were "stomped on" during the fighting, said the television station.

The Anaheim Police Department said in a statement that detectives decided to release the five Klan members after reviewing video and photographs of the incident and interviewing "dozens" of witnesses.

"Those images offer clear evidence of the events as they unfolded," the police . "As a result, five of the 12 people who were originally arrested have been released as the images and statements corroborate witness statements that they were acting in self-defense. Even still, the case will be presented to the Orange County District Attorney's Office for review and it will make the final determination regarding whether criminal charges will be filed."

Authorities said in the statement that one person arrested was from Anaheim while the other suspects came to the park from outside of the city.

"Regardless of an individual or groups' beliefs or ideologies, they are entitled to live without the fear of physical violence and have the right, under the law, to defend themselves when attacked," the police said.

"In response to questions regarding police presence at the park, APD personnel were dedicated to the event, and were present. Further, a plan was in place and included additional officers to respond as necessary. Those additional marked APD units were on scene within 1 minute and 36 seconds of the first report of violence, which occurred when counter protesters suddenly confronted members of the KKK as they arrived at the park."

Brian Levin, director of California State San Bernardino's Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, told the Los Angeles Times he was at the scene trying to interview local Klan leader William Quigg when the fighting started.

"I think the police response saved (the Klan members') lives. They would have been torn limb from limb," Levin told the Times.

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