Counter protesters descend on Boston, violence ensues

Things are heating up in Boston, Massachusetts, on Saturday morning as counter protesters take to the streets to articulate their disdain for the "Free Speech Rally" that was scheduled weeks ago, the Associated Press reported.

Protesters chanted anti-Nazi slogans and waved signs condemning white supremacy.

In preparation for the rally, Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said Friday that 500 officers — some in uniform, others undercover — would be on the ground to keep violence from breaking out.

The "Free Speech Rally" organizers have made it very clear that they are not tied to the Charlottesville protests that took place last weekend.

“Though we naturally respect their right to speak and assemble, we also will exercise our right to choose who we will associate with. We will not allow our platform to be hijacked by the KKK. If I see anyone bring out a swastika or throw a Hitler salute, I will immediately denounce them," organizer John Medlar told the Boston Herald.

InfoWars' reporter Joe Biggs, one of the rally's featured speakers, has posted updates to Twitter with what he is seeing on the ground.

A few thousand have shown up. Screaming "die die die Nazis". Cussing and yelling like children pic.twitter.com/EnIGYVYtGn

— Joe Biggs (@Rambobiggs) August 19, 2017

Video footage from Fox News shows a counter protester dragging a woman by an American flag.

MOMENTS AGO: Woman waving American flag hit, dragged by protester at #FreeSpeechRally in #Boston. #BostonCommon pic.twitter.com/7swgamIOjU

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 19, 2017

UPDATE: 1 p.m. EST

Police estimate around 15,000 counter protesters are in Boston today, ABC News reported.

Police estimate 15,000 counter-protesters are marching through Boston, shouting anti-Nazi and anti-fascist slogans: https://t.co/30EmFLxYZU pic.twitter.com/U5VXpUPEub

— ABC News (@ABC) August 19, 2017

A video of an anti-Nazi chant appeared on Twitter.

Editor's Note: This video contains strong language.

VIDEO FROM BOSTON: "If you're a Nazi and your fired, it's your fault *clap* *clap*" pic.twitter.com/d2RXsez1p7

— The Anon Journal (@TheAnonJournal) August 19, 2017

UPDATE: 1:30 p.m. EST

According to freelance writer Britini de la Cretaz, Boston police have stopped and searched a man with anti-fascist images on his clothing.

A man with a "stop white genocide" t-shirt was escorted by police officers, and ironically, a black police officer.

Police escort (for safety) a man wearing a "Stop White Genocide" shirt from the Common. #7News pic.twitter.com/jAR8wC9Lfu

— Eric Kane (@EricKaneTV) August 19, 2017

UPDATE: 2:10 p.m. EST

Police in riot helmets had to clear a path to escort Free Speech Rally members from police vehicles.

#BREAKING: Police in riot helmets creating room as they try and escort @NFSMOfficial members out in @bostonpolice wagons. @nbcboston pic.twitter.com/eJbMUkoRnw

— Eli Rosenberg (@EliNBCBoston) August 19, 2017

Fox News is reporting things are still tense at Boston Common.

Tensions high on the Boston Common. Massive counter protest against the Boston Free Speech Rally- vastly outnumbers those on the bandstand. pic.twitter.com/tLGJm3pJKb

— Molly Line (@MollyLineFNC) August 19, 2017

A video from NBC News shows a Trump supporter getting hit in the face with a water bottle.

Confrontation from earlier between Trump supporter and counter protesters at Boston Common. @nbcboston pic.twitter.com/1TMQ061hJq

— Daniel Gadbois (@DanNBCBoston) August 19, 2017

UPDATE: 5:00 p.m. EST

President Trump took to Twitter to discuss the protest in Boston.

UPDATE: 6:25 p.m. EST

The Boston Mayor and Police Commissioner addressed reporters.

According to the Police Commissioner, Boston had 40,000 counter protesters on Saturday.

Boston Mayor @marty_walsh thanks all those who came out to "fight back on the white supremacists that were coming to our city." pic.twitter.com/UM06XX5YT0

— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) August 19, 2017

Boston PD Commissioner William Evans: We had 40,000 people "standing tall against bigotry and hatred in our city, and that's a good feeling" pic.twitter.com/g7NBoLxieR

— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) August 19, 2017

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as new information is available.