Glenside man charged with assaulting Philly police captain during Saturday rally

Counter-protesters shout at those taking part in the

Counter-protesters shout at those taking part in the "We the People" rally Saturday on Independence Mall in Philadelphia. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)

A suburban Philadelphia man was charged Saturday with assaulting a city police captain during the “We the People” rally in support of the Second Amendment and conservative issues on Independence Mall.

In the build-up to the event, speculation that white supremacists and members of the Proud Boys would attend — and bring violence with them — swirled online and drew hundreds of counter-protesters. Only about 30 people took part in the conservative rally.

The complaint from the office of U.S. Attorney William Swain alleges that Brian Glantz, 23, punched the captain who was one of numerous officers attempting to keep the groups separated. Glantz faces U.S.  charges because the incident took place on federal property.

After hitting the unidentified officer, according to the complaint, the Glenside man “continued to resist the officers’ efforts to arrest him, kicking his legs and wrestling with the officers and park rangers.”

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Other isolated skirmishes occurred during the demonstrations, and three other protesters were detained but not formally charged. The police captain did not seek medical attention.

Glantz, who was held at the Federal Detention Center since Saturday, Monday appeared in U.S. Magistrate Court before Judge Elizabeth T. Hey and was released on a $15,000 bond with travel restrictions.

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