Photos show thousands of counterprotesters descending on Boston to drown out a right-wing 'free speech' rally

boston counter protesters
Thousands of counter protesters march to a planned 'Free Speech Rally' on Boston Common on August 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. Getty Images/Scott Eisen

Roughly 40,000 people descended on Boston Common on Saturday to protest a controversial right-wing "free speech" rally that had been planned.

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The event came one week after violence and chaos erupted in Charlottesville, Virginia during a white nationalist rally. One woman died after an apparent white supremacist plowed his car into a crowd of counterprotesters.

In contrast, Saturday's demonstrations in Boston remained largely peaceful, despite some skirmishes with police. Twenty-seven people were ultimately arrested, police told media.

Here's how the day unfolded:

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A right-wing rally for 'free speech' had been planned for Saturday

boston free speech rally counterprotesters
Organizers stand on the bandstand on Boston Common during a "Free Speech" rally staged by conservative activists, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Boston. Associated Press/Michael Dwyer

But many feared it would draw white supremacists and neo-Nazis

boston counterprotesters
Counterprotesters stand on the periphery of a "Free Speech" rally staged by conservative activists on Boston Common, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Boston. Associated Press/Michael Dwyer
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Roughly 40,000 people showed up to protest against the rally

boston counterprotesters
A large crowd of people march towards the Boston Commons to protest the Boston Free Speech Rally in Boston, MA, U.S., August 19, 2017. Reuters/Stephanie Keith

They held signs denouncing Nazis and white supremacists...

boston counterprotesters
Counter protesters hold signs while marching to a planned 'Free Speech Rally' on Boston Common on August 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. Getty Images/Scott Eisen
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...supporting Black Lives Matter...

boston counter protesters black lives matter
Counter protesters hold up fists and signs during a march to the 'Free Speech Rally' on Boston Common on August 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. Getty Images/Scott Eisen

...and referencing Heather Heyer, the 32-year-old woman who was killed at last weekend's Charlottesville protests

boston counter protesters heather heyer
A counterprotester holds a photo of Heather Heyer on Boston Common at a "Free Speech" rally organized by conservative activists, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Boston. Associated Press/Michael Dwyer
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The far-left "antifa" — or anti-fascists — also joined the counter protests

boston counter protests antifa
A counter protester holds a sign with the words "Antifa" (anti-fascists) outside of the Boston Commons and the Boston Free Speech Rally in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., August 19, 2017. Reuters/Stephanie Keith

The planned "free speech" rally ended early around 1 p.m., after attendees wrapped up the event without giving their speeches

boston free speech rally police
Organizers depart a "Free Speech" rally staged by conservative activists on Boston Common, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Boston. Associated Press/Michael Dwyer
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Rally attendees were escorted out by police

boston free speech rally police escort
A participant of the 'Free Speech Rally,' center, is escorted to a waiting police cruiser after the rally was ended on Boston Common on August 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. Getty Images/Scott Eisen

Police had attempted to create a buffer zone between the rally attendees and the counterprotesters

boston free speech rally counter protesters police
Police prepare to escort organizers from the bandstand on Boston Common after a "Free Speech" rally staged by conservative activists, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Boston. Associated Press/Michael Dwyer
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Yet there were clashes between police and counterprotesters as the rally attendees were leaving

boston counter protesters police clash
Police tussle with counterprotesters near a "Free Speech" rally staged by conservative activists, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Boston. Associated Press/Michael Dwyer

Boston police later confirmed that some rocks and urine-filled bottles had been thrown at officers

boston police counter protesters clash
Boston Police officers and counter protesters clash outside of the Boston Commons and the Boston Free Speech Rally in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., August 19, 2017. Reuters/Stephanie Keith
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Ultimately, 27 people were arrested

boston counter protester arrest
A counter protester is detained by Boston Police outside of the Boston Commons and the Boston Free Speech Rally in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., August 19, 2017. Reuters/Stephanie Keith

But Boston police commissioner William Evans said "99.9% of the people were here for the right reason, and that was to fight bigotry and hate"

boston police commissioner william evans mayor marty walsh
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh (R) holds a news conference with William Evans, Boston Police commissioner, in the Boston Commons in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., August 19, 2017. Reuters/Stephanie Keith
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President Donald Trump weighed in via Twitter, first calling the counterprotesters "anti-police agitators," then praising them for "speaking out against bigotry and hate"

 

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh responded:

 

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