A protest at the Oregon State Capitol turned violent on Monday after a group of rallygoers beat counterprotesters. (Chris Ward/Special to Salem Reporter)

A planned event at the Capitol turned violent Monday as members of an “American Lives Matter Rally” beat and pepper sprayed counter protesters.

The Labor Day event, planned from noon to 4 p.m., was joined by a group that splintered off from a pro-Trump convoy that went from Oregon City to Woodburn around 3:30 p.m., according to Tim Fox, Oregon State Police spokesman.

Rally-goers carried assault rifles and large Trump flags.

Around 4 p.m. both groups started to fight, with two men chasing down a counter protester, pushing the person to the ground and punching them.

Two men were arrested by Salem police.

Ty Anthony Parker, 53, of Durango, Colo., was charged with fourth-degree assault and first-degree intimidation.

Trenton Leonard Wolfskill, 37, of Eugene, was charged with fourth-degree assault. 

-Saphara Harrell

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By Salem Reporter