Eight arrested during Vancouver Trump rally, counter-protest

Eight people were arrested during a Trump rally and counter-protest Sunday, only one of whom was from Clark County.

About 100 or so people convened at Esther Short Park to show support for President Donald Trump after a private organizer rented the stage and lawn area. The event attracted about as many counter-protesters.

Thirty-nine additional Vancouver police officers were deployed for the event and were focused on maintaining safety, protecting property, enforcing rules related to the park, minimizing the impact on the surrounding community and allowing for the lawful expression of free speech.

All of the people arrested were there to protest the Trump rally and were apparently affiliated with an anarchist group, Vancouver police spokeswoman Kim Kapp said.

Brittany E. Johnson, 24, of Vancouver was arrested on suspicion of third-degree malicious mischief.

Five people who were arrested were from Portland: Meaghan M. Summerbell, 22, was arrested on suspicion of fourth-degree assault and reckless endangerment; Patrick C. Commons, 24, was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a law enforcement officer; Taylor J. Evans, 24, was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct; Elizabeth L. Battle, 19, was arrested on suspicion of third-degree malicious mischief; Michah Fletcher, 21, was arrested on suspicion of setting off fireworks in a park.

Also arrested were Nicholas Nikas, 19, of Salem, Ore., and Arianne Curtis, 19, of Olympia, both on suspicion of disorderly conduct.