By admin 
Tempers flared Wednesday after a group of activists marched to the California Capitol to demonstrate against right-wing content creator Nick Shirley, who appeared at a Republican news conference in opposition to a new law that extends an address confidentiality program to immigration service providers.
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After marching from Crocker Park in downtown Sacramento, the protest groups engaged in verbal and physical altercations across a barricade formed by law enforcement officers. The Sacramento Police Department reported two assault-related arrests but no serious injuries.
The event centered on Assembly Bill 2624. Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday, the bill will allow immigration service providers to protect themselves from harassment or violence by making their addresses confidential. Opponents have dubbed it the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” in reference to the influencer whose videos claim to uncover fraud by immigrant-serving organizations.
Counterprotesters carried signs and flags reading “F— Nick Shirley,” “F— Trump,” and “Hate don’t make America great.” They chanted “Racists go home” and “Immigrants are welcome here.” Some wore face coverings and some carried riot shields.
“I came here today to show that we are not going to allow fascists and white supremacists to come into our city unchecked,” counterprotester Alyssa Gatti said. “I think that Nick Shirley is here because he wants to continue doxxing people and putting their lives in danger, and any opposition to the (Stop) Nick Shirley Act is likely in favor of white supremacy.”
Gatti and others expressed support of AB 2624, saying opponents have mischaracterized its intent.
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“It protects people who are providing services to immigrants and prevents them — their lives and their livelihoods and their families — from being threatened,” counterprotester Jennifer Wood said of the bill. “It has nothing to do with so-called citizen journalism that these people are trying to say it (does).”
Wood also expressed disbelief at Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton’s participation in the conference, calling it “the perfect disqualifying act” to prove he is not a “legitimate candidate.”
The clash between protest groups was not limited to Nick Shirley and AB 2624. Participants also exchanged heated words over issues related to the Trump administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Palestine.
During one of several scuffles, a 69-year-old bystander fell to the ground near a booth selling Republican merchandise, causing scrapes along her thigh, knee and forearm. The woman, who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation, and witnesses said she was pushed.
“It was scary because what if I’d hit my head? I’m a senior citizen … and this is just uncalled for. I’m not part of this,” the bystander said. “This should be a peaceful protest, and people, innocent people, bystanders should not be violently attacked.”
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