Tallahassee Police Department says no one will face charges following the altercation that took place during a Black Lives Matter protest outside the Florida Capitol on Saturday, which saw a counter-protester pull a handgun on protesters.
In videos circulating on social media that show the altercation at multiple angles, a counter-protester is seen walking through the protest, occupying the middle of the intersection, and is followed by a group of protesters. The counter-protester appears to turn around and advance on a protester, punches are thrown - and seconds later the counter-protester is seen holding a pistol, aimed at a protester.
A Tallahassee Police officer is seen approaching the counter-protester with his gun drawn. The counter-protester hands the officer his gun, and is consequently handcuffed.
"The evidence confirmed the physical altercation between numerous protestors and that the individual was knocked to the ground and under attack before lawfully defending himself," the Department wrote in a statement issued Sunday. "TPD confirmed that the individual with the gun was lawfully carrying a concealed weapon as a license holder."
The statement goes on to address the decision not to bring charges directly, saying "no assault charges have been applied to any of the individuals involved in the fight or the individual with the gun."
Tallahassee police described the protest, which was organized by activist group the Tallahassee Community Action Commitee, as "non-permitted," and wrote: "Impromptu protests do not allow for adequate TPD support and create potentially dangerous conflicts with vehicles and other individuals."
Following the incident Saturday night, the Tallahassee Community Action Committee tweeted a statement: "TCAC stands united in the struggle for #CPAC and against white supremacist aggression. We thank those that attended today’s protest. We will not be threatened by white supremacist or police terrorism. We will be back in the streets."
