8 arrested after pro Palestine rally ends in Orlando, police say

Eight people are in custody following a Pro-Palestine gathering in Downtown Orlando, according to the Orlando Police Department. Officials said a peaceful demonstration with 20 individuals took place around 4:00 p.m. at Lake Eola. Officials said the group walked around the area peacefully as they were monitored by officers before concluding around 5:15 p.m. Investigators said around 5:30 p.m. officers responded to a report of a disturbance near the Publix on East Central Boulevard. Upon arrival to the call, officials found some of the demonstrators arguing with a person officers said had opposing views from them.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Eight people were arrested on Saturday afternoon after a peaceful pro-Palestine rally at Lake Eola Park ended in a scuffle with someone who had an opposing view, according to Orlando police.

Police said about 20 people held a peaceful walk and demonstration at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. The group walked around the area from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., police said.

Fifteen minutes later, around 5:30 p.m., police responded to a disturbance near the Publix grocery store on East Central Boulevard, where some of the pro-Palestine demonstrators were arguing with someone who had an opposing view.

"When officers attempted to separate the two parties, a member of the Pro-Palestine demonstration group lunged toward an OPD officer and the opposing citizen in a physically threatening manner. Consequently, the OPD officer arrested the demonstrator for Disorderly Conduct," Orlando police said in a news release.

"Other demonstrators attempted to interfere with the arrest, leading to several altercations," police said.

A total of eight people were arrested on various charges, including:

Disorderly conduct
Battery on a law enforcement officer
Resisting arrest with violence
Resisting arrest without violence

"The Orlando Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all who choose to assemble peacefully. Our priority is to protect the well-being of our residents, visitors, and businesses," police said in a statement.

No other details were immediately released.