Patriot Prayer rally in Portland, Oregon, leads to 6 arrests as groups face off

Duel rallies in Portland, Oregon, ended with the clash of Patriot Prayer and counter-protesters on Saturday, resulting in six arrests.

The day began with a rally in downtown to support victims of sexual assault, during which several attendees recounted their experiences, reported the Oregonian. About 200 people attended.

Nearby, a "Him Too" rally, a counter-movement of the #MeToo movement, led by Haley Adams, a Patriot Prayer member, was underway, with some 40 people in attendance.

Adams said the rally was meant to support men falsely accused of sexual assault, although some speakers spoke of freedom and a "war against men". Once the rally was over, protesters would have started throwing bottles and flares and small clashes broke out.

Some protesters also reportedly fired smoke bombs, the newspaper reported. Policemen in riot gear separated Patriot Prayer members and counter-protesters in black suits.

FOX 12 Oregon reported that six people had been arrested. the police identified them as 52-year-old Gary Fresquez, suspected of disorderly conduct and two counts of interference with a peace officer; Hannah R. McClintock, 19, charged with harassment., And four others – Ruben A Delahuerga, 25; Betsy Toll, 68; Elizabeth L. Cheek, 33; and Brittany N. Frost, 35 – charged with interfering with a peace officer.

Saturday's events took place almost a month after Patriot Prayer and Antifa counter-protesters engaged in a bloody fight in front of a popular bar in the city.

Members of the conservative group had walked earlier in the day to demand the ousting of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler.

Wheeler has been severely criticized in recent months for overseeing the city's police department and its response to protests.