California Police Criticized For Slow Response To Neo-Nazi Capitol Protest Clash

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Authorities were anticipating violence as a white nationalist group planned a demonstration at the California Capitol, and they brought in more than 100 officers to patrol the grounds.

But after 10 people were injured Sunday, they're now facing criticism about whether they were properly prepared. The demonstration quickly turned violent in a clash with a larger group of counter-protesters.

Cres Vellucci, an observer with the National Lawyers Guild, said Monday that the California Highway Patrol and Sacramento city police failed to separate the two groups before the violence began.

He says they were slow to protect victims being assaulted and slow to get medical help.

Members of the Traditionalist Worker Party were confronted as they approached the rally site, and violence erupted.

CHP spokesman Officer George Granada says police had no obligation to make sure the group's members made it safely to the rally.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.