Disturbance after Pro-Palestine rally in downtown Orlando leads to 8 arrests, police say

Eight demonstrators were arrested by Orlando police on Saturday afternoon after they were involved in an altercation following a Pro-Palestine demonstration at Lake Eola.

At around 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, a total of 20 individuals walked peacefully around Lake Eola. During the demonstration, they were monitored by officers from the Orlando Police Department's Downtown and Parramore bike units, according to OPD.

The police department stated that the Pro-Palestine demonstrators "concluded peacefully" at 5:15 p.m. Fifteen minutes later, the bike officers responded to a nearby Publix on E Central Boulevard, where they observed some of the demonstrators engaging in an argument with an individual who had "opposing views."

When the officers attempted to separate the two parties involved in the argument, a member of the Pro-Palestine demonstration group "lunged toward an OPD officer and the opposing citizen in a physically threatening manner," according to police.

As a result, the demonstrator who allegedly lunged at the officer was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge. OPD stated that other demonstrators attempted to interfere with the arrest, which led to several altercations.

In total, eight demonstrators were arrested by Orlando police on various charges that include disorderly conduct, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and resisting arrest without violence.

"The Orlando Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all who choose to assemble peacefully," stated OPD in a media release on Sunday morning. "Our priority is to protect the well-being of our residents, visitors, and businesses."