SAN FRANCISCO—A Ku Klux Klan supporter who allegedly stabbed three protesters on the south side of Anaheim’s Pearson Park on Sunday, February 28, has been identified as a San Francisco resident, according to police.
Anaheim police have identified 51-year-old Charles Donner of the San Francisco Marina District to be one of the partakers of a planned KKK rally that was slated to take place in Orange County over the February 28 weekend. According to authorities, the rally never took place due to a violent group of counter-protesters who approached the KKK members as soon as they arrived.
Police say three KKK members were violently thrown to the ground after getting out of their vehicle. The remaining three members drove away in a black SUV after the crowd of 30 people began storming at the members. Protesters kicked and beat the KKK members, which prompted Donner to stab three people.
Donner was arrested by authorities at approximately 12:10 p.m. on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the city jail on $25,000 bail, but after reviewing video footage, police released him on the basis of self-defense.
The three unidentifed injured victims sustained non life-threatening injuries, and are expected to survive. One victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but was later evaluated and listed in stable condition after the stabbing. The two other victims were also said to be in stable condition, according to reports.
Another injured member, Will Quigg sustained severe fractures to his arm after the attack. He stated the rally was supposed to be a “white lives matter too” protest. The group had originally asked for police protection, but had their request denied, according to Quigg. Police officials had informed the group of the protocols for security measures, indicating it would be an expense and the group would have to hire officers. However “the group turned Anaheim police down,” according to officials.
The Anaheim Police Department is continuing with investigation to evaluate whether the police took the proper course of action after the violent attacks.
