Knox Pridefest protest ends with assault charge

Rebecca Wright | Knoxville

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While thousands lined Gay street in support of Knox Pridefest on Saturday, there were approximately a dozen protesters.

Knoxville Police Officer Will Wilson confirmed that one protester, who identified himself as a white nationalist, was arrested and charged with assault.

The protester is identified in an arrest warrant as 33-year-old Kynan Dutton.

About 1:20 p.m., police were monitoring "two opposing groups" entering the State Street Parking Garage when witnesses reported seeing Dutton push a man to the ground, according to the warrant. The alleged victim suffered minor scratches and bruises; he did not need medical attention.

Earlier in the day, Dutton spoke to USA TODAY NETWORK -- Tennessee. He identified himself as the leader of the Tennessee National Socialist Movement and spoke about why he showed up to Knox Pridefest.

“There’s pro-white organizations out here for the protesting of this act of sexual deviance and degeneracy that is being promoted upon our youth," said Dutton.

The protesters gathered at the intersection of Summit Hill Drive and Gay Street. They stood at the corner, shouting at parade participants and viewers. Many of them wore camouflage clothing and bandannas covering their faces.

William Raymond, a protester with the group of white nationalist supporters, talked about his duty to the country.

"We're here to support God and do the right thing for our people and country," said Raymond.

After the end of the parade passed Summit Hill, the protesters were escorted by KPD to the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum where the Pridefest Festival was taking place.

KPD had a designated area set up for the protesters; however, protesters refused to use the space provided. They were then escorted to protest near a parking garage outside of the Coliseum.

A counter-protest movement followed the protesters throughout the day. The counter-protesters outnumbered the protesters, and various Pridefest attendees joined in throughout the day.

IB Goins-Hopper, a counter-protester, was disappointed with the anti-Pride displays.

"It's unfortunate that there's so much hate among neighbors," Goins-Hopper said.

After two hours of protests, the group was escorted to the State Street Parking Garage, where police said the assault occurred.