ANAHEIM, California — Police say five Ku Klux Klan members who were arrested following a violent brawl in Anaheim have been released because evidence show they acted in self-defense.
Anaheim Sgt. Daron Wyatt said Sunday that seven people who remain in custody were seen beating beating, stomping and attacking the Klansmen with wooden posts.
A police statement said the clash, which erupted after six Klan members arrived at a park Saturday for a planned anti-immigration rally, was started by more than a larger group of counter protesters who had "the intent of perpetrating violence."
Police said the Klansmen stabbed three counter protesters with knives and the decorative end of a flag pole, but said they had a right to defend themselves when attacked.