Police officers injured as far-right activists face off against anti-racism groups across UK

LONDON (AP) — A number of British police officers were injured Saturday as far-right activists faced off with anti-racism protesters in cities and towns across the country, following a stabbing rampage at a dance class earlier this week that left three girls dead and several wounded.

With dozens of similar gatherings taking place around the country this warm and sunny weekend, police mounted a significant security operation, deploying thousands more officers onto the streets, many in riot gear. Police have also made more prison cells available and are using surveillance and facial recognition technology. Court hours have also been extended to judge those arrested.

On Saturday, Merseyside Police said a number of officers were injured in “serious disorder” in the center of Liverpool, about 20 miles away from the scene of the stabbing attack in the seaside town of Southport in the northwest of England that has resulted in understandable anguish across the country.

“Let’s call this out for what it is — mindless thuggery by people looking for an excuse to spew hatred and carry out acts of violence," Liverpool City region Mayor Steve Rotheram said.

And Humberside Police in a statement said three police officers have been injured and four people arrested following disorder in the city of Hull, in the northeast of England. Earlier, windows of a hotel in Hull that is used to house migrants were smashed.

Police also said they had made multiple arrests in Bristol, which is arguably the most left-wing city in the U.K, during a standoff that saw as right-wing activists heavily outnumbered by their opponents. In Bristol, far-right activists moved from the city center and headed to a hotel that has been used to house asylum seekers.

“Some of the behavior we have seen is completely unacceptable and we will use all the powers available to us to deal with it," said Avon and Somerset Police, which oversees the city.

Elsewhere, bricks were thrown at police officers in Stoke-on-Trent in central England while scuffles have also been reported in Belfast, Manchester and Nottingham. In Blackpool, a seaside town near Southport, punks, in the town for a festival, were seen clearing up the mess left after rioting by far-right activists.

There were no reports of far-right marches in London. Separately, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched peacefully through the city to protest Israel's military operation in Gaza.

Britain’s new Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a crisis meeting with ministers on Saturday, in which he said police have the government’s “full support” to take action against “extremists” attacking officers and attempting to “sow hate,” according to his office in No. 10 Downing Street.

The latest outbreaks of violence come a day after protesters in Sunderland in northeast England tossed beer barrels and rocks at police officers. A car and the building next door to a police station were set ablaze, and 12 people were arrested.

The violence erupted earlier this week, ostensibly in protest of Monday's mass stabbing in Southport. A 17-year-old male has been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the Southport attack.

False rumors spread online that the young man was a Muslim and an immigrant, fueling anger among far-right supporters. Suspects under 18 are usually not named in the U.K., but Judge Andrew Menary ordered Axel Rudakubana, born in Wales to Rwandan parents, to be identified, in part to stop the spread of misinformation.

In a press briefing on Saturday in Sunderland, Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Mark Hall described Friday's violence as “unforgivable,” saying four police officers were injured, three as a direct result of the disorder. He also said a mounted rider sustained serious injuries in an accident and is receiving treatment in hospital.

“During the course of the evening, our officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence," he said. “Make no mistake, if you were involved last night, expect to be met with the full force of the law."

Police said many of the actions are being organized online by shadowy far-right groups, who are mobilizing support online with phrases like “enough is enough,” “save our kids” and “stop the boats.” Counter-protests are also anticipated with the organization Stand Up To Racism

Far-right demonstrators have held several violent gatherings since the stabbing attack, clashing with police Tuesday outside a mosque in Southport — near the scene of the horrific stabbing — and hurling beer cans, bottles and flares near the prime minister’s office in London the next day. Many in Southport have expressed their anger at the organized acts of violence in the wake of the tragedy.

The attack Monday on children at a Taylor Swift-themed summer dance class shocked a country where knife crime is a long-standing and vexing problem, though mass stabbings are rare.

Rudakubana has been charged with murder over the attack that killed Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6. He has also been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder for the eight children and two adults who were wounded.

Starmer has blamed the violence on “far-right hatred” and vowed to end the mayhem. At a news conference Thursday, the prime minister said the street violence was “clearly driven by far-right hatred."

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who is responsible for law and order issues, said Saturday that the "bottom line here is we cannot stand for this kind of thuggery or criminal disorder on our streets.”

People counter demonstrate in Nottingham, England's Market Square on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, following Monday's stabbing attacks in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (Jacob King/PA via AP)

Police officers detain a woman during a protest in Nottingham, England's Market Square Saturday Aug. 3, 2024, following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (Jacob King/PA via AP)

Police officers face protesters during a protest in Nottingham, England's Market Square on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, following Monday's stabbing attacks in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (Jacob King/PA via AP)

A man is detained by police officers during a protest in Nottingham, England Market Square on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, following Monday's stabbing attacks in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (Jacob King/PA via AP)

A demonstrator throws a brick during a protest in Liverpool, England, on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, following Monday's stabbing attacks in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (James Speakman/PA via AP)

Demonstrators march in support of Palestinians, in London, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Demonstrators march in support of Palestinians, in London, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Heavy police presence as people protest outside Leeds Town Hall, England, Saturday Aug. 3, 2024, following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)

People protest in Leeds, England, Saturday Aug. 3, 2024, following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)

Demonstrators march in support of Palestinians, in London, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Counter demonstration in Nottingham Market Square, England, Saturday Aug. 3, 2024, against people protesting in the same location in following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (Jacob King/PA via AP)

Heavy police presence as people protest in Liverpool, England, Saturday Aug. 3, 2024, following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (James Speakman/PA via AP)

People protest in Liverpool, England, Saturday Aug. 3, 2024, following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (James Speakman/PA via AP)

A man with blood on his hand speaks to a police officer during a protest in Nottingham Market Square, England, Saturday Aug. 3, 2024, following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (Jacob King/PA via AP)

Police and medics attend to a person during a protest in Liverpool, England, Saturday Aug. 3, 2024, following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, in which three young children were killed. (James Speakman/PA via AP)

EDS NOTE: OBSCENITY - People counter demonstrate in Nottingham Market Square against people protesting at the same location following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, in which three young children were killed, in Nottingham, England, Saturday August 3, 2024. (Jacob King/PA via AP)

Firefighters tend to a burning police car as police officers are deployed on the streets of Hartlepool, England, following a violent protest in the wake of the killing of three girls who were fatally stabbed in northwest England, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)

Police officers stand guard on the streets of Hartlepool, England, following a violent protest in the wake of the killing of three girls who were fatally stabbed in northwest England, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Far-right groups seek to stir anger over an attack they have sought to link — without evidence — to immigrants. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)

A burnt out police vehicle as police officers are deployed on the streets of Hartlepool, England, following a violent protest in the wake of the killing of three girls who were fatally stabbed in northwest England, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Far-right groups seek to stir anger over an attack they have sought to link — without evidence — to immigrants. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)

A police car burns as officers are deployed on the streets of Hartlepool, England, following a violent protest in the wake of the killing of three girls who were fatally stabbed in northwest England, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Far-right groups seek to stir anger over an attack they have sought to link — without evidence — to immigrants. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference at 10 Downing Street, London, England, Thursday, August 1, 2024, following clashes after the Southport stabbing. The Prime Minister says he will set a national policing unit to crack down on violent protesters after clashes with police across England on the past two nights. (Henry Nicholls/Pool Photo via AP)

Trustee and president of the London Islamic Cultural Society (LICS) Bibi Rabbiyah Khan speaks to Police officers at the London Islamic Cultural Society (LICS) and Mosque in Haringey, north London, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Hundreds of mosques across the country are strengthening their security and protective measures ahead of planned protests, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has said. There are fears that Islamic places of worship could be targeted during demonstrations expected to take place over the weekend following the Southport stabbing attack. (Jonathan Brady/PA via AP)

Imam Foysol Ahmed leads Friday Prayers at the London Islamic Cultural Society (LICS) and Mosque in Haringey, north London, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Hundreds of mosques across the country are strengthening their security and protective measures ahead of planned protests, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has said. There are fears that Islamic places of worship could be targeted during demonstrations expected to take place over the weekend following the Southport stabbing attack. (Jonathan Brady/PA via AP)

Worshippers leaves after taking part in Friday Prayers at the London Islamic Cultural Society (LICS) and Mosque in Haringey, north London, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Hundreds of mosques across the country are strengthening their security and protective measures ahead of planned protests, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has said. There are fears that Islamic places of worship could be targeted during demonstrations expected to take place over the weekend following the Southport stabbing attack. (Jonathan Brady/PA via AP)

Los Angeles, you’re next.

Paris raised the game for the Paralympics, with more than 4,000 athletes as well as 2.4 million tickets sold, which was second only to the London Games of 2012. Now the challenge for U.S. organizers is to top it with another breakout moment for para sports.

“We want to conquer America,” said Craig Spence, a spokesman for the International Paralympic Committee.

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Reynold Hoover, CEO of the organizing committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics, is confident the Paralympics can do just that.

“We don’t have the Eiffel Tower, we don’t have the Grand Palais, but we’ve got the Coliseum and we’ve got the Rose Bowl and we’ve got SoFi (Stadium), and all these tremendous state-of-the-art venues,” he said in an interview Friday as the Paris Games wound down.

The Paralympic venues for Los Angeles haven’t been announced yet – ideally, they’ll be finalized by the end of 2024. Since LA received the bid in 2017, several venues such as Crypto.com Arena and Sofi Stadium have either been re-envisioned or built.

With five new sports coming to the Olympics, and the addition of para climbing in the Paralympics, a record combined total of up to 15,000 athletes are expected to compete.

“We try to figure out what is the sport that is kind of new, engaging, emerging and can offer the Paralympians another avenue in which to show their intensity and commitment to sport,” Hoover said.

If the Paralympics are to take a jump in popularity in the United States, several areas are generally considered key to that success.

As the Paris Games finished, the NFL kicked off and college football finished its second full week, dominating the U.S. sports market.

Chris Hammer, a para triathlon veteran who won his first gold medal in the PTS5 classification for athletes with mild impairment, wouldn’t be surprised if the attention in the U.S. landed elsewhere — he said he’s “guilty” of it, too.

“I love American football, that’s what I watch on TV,” he said. “We don’t embrace the niche sports as much as Europeans do, so I think that is a challenge that we need to overcome if we want to replicate the success of Paris.”

Since the London Games in 2012, Channel 4 in the United Kingdom has broadcast the Paralympics on live, linear television. France’s national broadcaster, France Télévisions, had near continuous coverage of the games, but while NBC and Peacock’s Olympic and Paralympic coverage has expanded, there is no guarantee Americans will pay for subscriptions when it’s behind a paywall.

Aaron Phipps, a veteran of Great Britain’s wheelchair rugby team, remembers U.S. athletes excited about being on TV back in 2012: “I was thinking ‘What are you talking about?’ For us, it’s just completely normalized.”

With the Olympics and Paralympics, there’s several weeks of competition for people to pay attention and remain engaged. The Parisian crowds have done it, but can the Southern Californians?

Hoover said with new technology in the works to generate a more interactive experience, Olympic fatigue shouldn’t be an issue. Instead, he thinks fans will be “more excited” because Los Angeles will act as a “home field advantage” for the United States.

With access to Hollywood, Spence said the organizing committee has a chance to make an impact that extends outside Los Angeles — he expects a global cultural shift when it comes to making Paralympic athletes true pop culture stars.

Visibility isn’t a new issue. Scout Bassett, who competed in Rio de Janeiro and is on the athletes' commission for Los Angeles, thinks more work should be done together between Paralympians and Olympians to generate more awareness through already established stars.

“We are a country that celebrates winning, success, and until we start telling these stories and really giving these athletes the opportunities they deserve in that spotlight, that’s the only way we’re going to grow the Paralympics and change the perceptions about people with disabilities,” she said.

Seasoned Paralympians noted most up-and-coming athletes went years without knowing of para sports programs available to them. They say that must change to grow the games.

“My hope is that LA is gonna be this moment for so many people with disabilities to say, ‘Oh gosh, I could compete, there’s something I could do,’” said Chuck Aoki, a veteran of Team USA’s wheelchair rugby team.

The U.S. once again dominated the Summer Olympics medals table in Paris but, in the Paralympics, China has been the leading force since 2004.

“I think we need to go back to the drawing board,” said Jessica Long, one of the most decorated Paralympic swimmers of all-time.

Long doesn’t think the U.S. reached its full potential in Paris and some Paralympians, who were a part of the three-year turnaround from Tokyo, have struggled.

“I think we need to really get on board, the whole U.S., just to showcase what we can do," she said.

For Matt Stutzman, the compound archer gold medalist, it’s a financial issue and athletes could be backed more by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

“(Money is) the stress – like you basically have to choose between Paralympic sport or supporting your family, and you always gotta pick your family,” Stutzman said.

Medalists from the United States do receive financial bonuses: $38,000 for gold, $23,000 for silver, $15,000 for bronze.

As for Los Angeles, Aoki said reaching the top of the medal table would be tough, but anything is possible.

“Because the reality is, you know, China’s a very large country. The United States is a large country. We have the ability to have athletes contesting every event,” he said. “We just don’t because people don’t know they have access to sport.”

Amanda Vogt is a student at the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.

AP Paralympics: https://apnews.com/hub/paralympic-games

Fireworks are fired from the Stade du France during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paralympics, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

Reynold Hoover discusses the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics at the LA28 office in Paris, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Kileigh Kane)

President of the International Paralympic Committee Andrew Parsons passes the Paralympic flag to Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass, second left, after receiving it from Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, not pictured, during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paralympics, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)