Neo-Nazi march interrupted by riot in downtown Phoenix

PHOENIX - Two people were arrested and more than a hundred protesters were separated by police Saturday in downtown Phoenix.

Dane Edward Rossman, 23, and Bryan Wayne Reavely, 24, were arrested for throwing rocks at police officers at the National Socialist Movement march, according to Sgt. Tommy Thompson with the Phoenix Police Department.

They have been charged with five counts and four counts of aggravated assault respectively, Thompson said.

A riot started Saturday afternoon when the National Socialist Movement began its march in support of Arizona’s controversial immigration law.

"This is not what America stands for," said one of the protesters.

"They are not welcome in my country," said another.

ABC15 crews at the march near Jefferson and 8th streets said two dozen neo-Nazis clashed with more than a hundred people who opposed the group.

Police used tear gas to move protesters when rocks were thrown and yelling began between the two groups. Police said several officers and marchers received minor injuries from the rocks and pepper spray.

"You don't have to like us but you can't throw things," said march organizer JT Ready.

At one point, protesters placed newspaper stands in the street in front of the marchers, according to Phoenix police Sgt. Tommy Thompson. He said officers escorted the marchers to the federal courthouse and after several members of the group of marchers made statements, they returned to 12th Avenue and Adams Street, again escorted by police.

"Whether we agree with them or not we have to protect the marchers," Thompson said.