Fight breaks out after Democratic Rep. Katie Porter's supporters confront 'America first' protesters

A fight broke out at an outdoor town hall event for Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) Sunday after some of Porter's supporters confronted nationalist protesters.

Porter's event, titled "Policy in the Park," was held in Irvine, California, and was the first in-person town hall held by the congresswoman since the pandemic began. It was advertised as a family-friendly event with activities for kids and an opportunity for constituents to participate in a question-and-answer session with the congresswoman.

But after protesters repeatedly interrupted Porter as she spoke, a group of her supporters confronted the hecklers, and police had to intervene to stop the altercation, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"It is disappointing that a small but vocal group of attendees, who advertised a 'confrontation rally,' created unsafe conditions at a planned family-friendly event," Porter said in a statement after the incident. "While I absolutely respect their right to disagree, their disturbance disrespected all the families who attended and were ready to engage in a thoughtful, civil and safe way.

Days before the event began, Nick Taurus, a self-described "American nationalist and Roman Catholic" activist who says he is challenging Porter in the upcoming midterm elections, called on his supporters to "Confront Katie Porter!" at her town hall, inviting them to join his campaign and "voice our displeasure" with the congresswoman.