Police were conducting a hate crime investigation Tuesday into a weekend confrontation that erupted during dueling Israel-Palestine rallies near the Santa Monica Pier, leaving one person injured.
Officers responded to Palisades Park near the pier at about 5:20 p.m. Sunday to reports of a battery, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
A pro-Palestinian rally was being held at the pier, and a group of about pro-Israeli counter-protesters also gathered at the site.
During the dueling rallies, one person was surrounded and physically assaulted by a group of people, leaving the person with minor injuries that were treated at the scene, police said. He later sought additional medical care on his own.
Police said several verbal altercations and disturbances occurred during the dueling rallies. At one point, officers set up a skirmish line to separate the two groups.
“We are deeply disturbed by this incident and the hateful conduct reported in connection with it. The Santa Monica Police Department condemns all forms of hate and antisemitism. We want to be clear: hate and intimidation will not be tolerated here,” police said in a statement.
Anyone with additional information regarding the assault was urged to contact SMPD Detective Martin Jauregui at martin.jauregui@santamonica.gov or 310-458-8944. The watch commander can also be reached at 310-458-8427.