Though it was billed as a “free speech rally,” the event in downtown Boston on Saturday sparked plenty of confrontations and profanity-laced outbursts.

Thousands of leftist counter-protesters descended on rally attendees at the Boston Common pavilion, waving signs and chanting anti-Nazi slogans. Their efforts seem to have cut the rally short, as right-wing rally-goers left early without making any of their planned speeches.

Thousands of counter-protesters remain in Boston. The right wing rally is totally empty, hours before it was intended. pic.twitter.com/yzD7vygnHM — Jack Smith IV (@JackSmithIV) August 19, 2017

Liberals are literally protesting AGAINST free speech in Boston today. We don’t say liberalism is a mental disorder for nothing!! — Mark Dice (@MarkDice) August 19, 2017

Though rally attendees under a pavilion were surrounded by metal barriers and dozens of police, they were met with sometimes violent protesters – especially if they sported any pro-Trump gear.

Wow.Protestors surround two men in Trump gear and scream profanities, tell them to get the f*^% out of Boston. I asked one why he’s here: pic.twitter.com/qRiTjhDXlj — Jessica Weiss (@jessweiss1) August 19, 2017

Lots of adult language in this one. Crowd circled around a man in a MAGA hat. #bostonprotest pic.twitter.com/nEd16NFMe1 — Jack Lepiarz (@Lepiarz) August 19, 2017

12:45pm gets wild.@realDonaldTrump supporters getting hit with water bottles, glitter, spray paint. Boston, we’re better than this. Common! pic.twitter.com/ERP8ZTl50A — Jonathan Choe (@choenbcboston) August 19, 2017

Counter protesters carrying signs declaring “Black Lives Matter” and “Hate Has No Home In Boston,” drowned out rally goers who attempted to speak.

45 minutes into the planned rally and the ‘Free Speech’ protestors are leaving. well done, #Boston pic.twitter.com/jNePGtqPew — Jamie Church (@jlchurch) August 19, 2017

So much for free speech.

Counter-protester: “Fuck free speech you fucking piece of shit!” https://t.co/p5tlo8KTRB — Liam Stack (@liamstack) August 19, 2017

And so much for advice from the Boston Police Department ahead of the event for which the city of Boston granted a permit earlier in the week.

If you’re attending today’s rally, be sure to leave the sticks & stones at home. Prohibited items are listed here: https://t.co/DhKK01X29B — Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) August 19, 2017

“We are going to have a zero-tolerance policy’: Boston gives permit for free speech rally, sets restrictions https://t.co/D9aStYKjMt — 7News Boston WHDH (@7News) August 17, 2017

Hundreds of police officers, security cameras and barriers were at the ready for the event, anticipating the large crowds.

Commissioner Evans “To all who’ve shared prayers & support for my officers heading into today’s rally, I’d just like to say thank you.” — Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) August 19, 2017

#ThankYou to Todd & Krissy from @Wegmans for dropping off water for our officers who are working the rally on the Common today! #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/Anw2oDyazz — Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) August 19, 2017

Counter protesters arrived early and marched through downtown Boston with their signs and chants.

We have the numbers, we have the right message, come join the freedom side #FightSupremacy #BostonResist pic.twitter.com/k9yVQO8Ub5 — Dr.Bryan Harnsberger (@PSYCH_HYPE) August 19, 2017

Theme. #BostonResist #FightSupremacy pic.twitter.com/zO4cHcTJAL — Britni de la Cretaz (@britnidlc) August 19, 2017

We haven’t even left yet. I couldn’t see the end of this crowd with binoculars. #FightSupremacy #BostonResist pic.twitter.com/4fcfC3eNQ8 — Britni de la Cretaz (@britnidlc) August 19, 2017

Crowds still gathering for #FightSupremacy #BostonResist pic.twitter.com/LINawA8SRA — Britni de la Cretaz (@britnidlc) August 19, 2017

Event organizers had distanced themselves from neo-Nazis, white supremacists and others who were part of the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia last week which turned violent. Only a few dozen showed up for the Boston event but were met with thousands of opponents and Antifa who were convinced white supremacists and Ku Klux Klan members would be present.

One anti-fascist activist who had come to protest grabbed and ran off with a flag a woman was carrying, dragging her along behind him until she fell.

Antifa thug assaults and drags older woman holding American flag, but she wasn’t about to retreat! https://t.co/4A1Rye2Wsn pic.twitter.com/krDCW8RrhW — Conservative News (@BIZPACReview) August 19, 2017

Other confrontations were also observed and many shared photos and videos from the event.

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Confrontation from earlier between Trump supporter and counter protesters at Boston Common. @nbcboston pic.twitter.com/1TMQ061hJq — Daniel Gadbois (@DanNBCBoston) August 19, 2017

Boston is really crazy right now pic.twitter.com/W5AW95oFZd — abdul ? (@Advil) August 19, 2017

This is Imani, from CT. She just escorted Trump supporters through a crowd as a situation escalated. Here’s why in her words: pic.twitter.com/R8W7XN58jk — Steve Annear (@steveannear) August 19, 2017

BOSTON: GOD BLESS THIS BRAVE, PEACEFUL MAN WALKING THROUGH EVIL! ????pic.twitter.com/YOoqmrF2aa — Stormy ? (@VannagrammyLiz) August 19, 2017

The radical left in Boston pic.twitter.com/IhFfrU33Vb — Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) August 19, 2017

From what I’m reading, there are now over 30,000 people & climbing in Boston protesting against hate & bigotry. ❤️pic.twitter.com/z46SdcCYKr — Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) August 19, 2017

Stunning that we keep having to remind people of this basic premise. #Boston pic.twitter.com/0uUwk8mL6J — Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) August 19, 2017