US protest forces ‘free speech rally’ to abrupt end

A small group of conservatives cut short their “free speech rally” in Boston after thousands of demonstrators chanting anti-nazi slogans confronted them.

The rally came a week after a gathering of hate groups led to bloodshed in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The counter-protesters marched through the city to historic Boston Common, where many gathered near a bandstand abandoned early by conservatives who had planned to deliver a series of speeches.

Police vans later escorted the conservatives out of the area, and angry counterprotesters scuffled with armed officers.

President Donald Trump applauded the people in Boston who he said were “speaking out” against bigotry and hate. He tweeted: “Our country will soon come together as one!”