Protest in Calif. turns violent

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SACRAMENTO, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- A confrontation between a group described by an official as "white supremacist" and counter-protesters turned violent at the California Statehouse Monday.

The South Africa Project had a permit for a demonstration on the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento, The Sacramento Bee reported. The group said it was concerned with the killing of whites by blacks in South Africa.

Tony Beard, sergeant at arms of the California Senate, called the project a white supremacist group.

The counter-protest, which included members of Occupy Oakland, did not have a permit, police said. Members were told to stay on the sidewalk around the Statehouse.

Around 3 p.m. PST, counter-protesters began throwing things, police said. In the ensuing melee, one officer was injured by pepper spray, allegedly coming from a protester, and others may have been hit by objects.

Another officer appeared to have been hurt as he handcuffed a struggling suspect, police said.