State and local police stand near Boston Common where a "Free Speech" rally organized by conservative activists was being staged on Aug. 19 in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) | Michael Dwyer/AP Photo Trump praises officials, knocks 'anti-police agitators' in Boston

President Donald Trump on Saturday praised police in Boston for "looking tough" in response to the presence of "many anti-police agitators" in the city, as a wave of counter-protesters overtook a previously scheduled "free speech" rally.

"Looks like many anti-police agitators in Boston. Police are looking tough and smart! Thank you," Trump wrote on Twitter.


According to the Associated Press, thousands of demonstrators chanting anti-Nazi slogans marched through the city to the Boston Common. The area had been abandoned by conservatives who had sought to hold a "free speech" rally, but later called the event off.

The events received increased attention in response to the violent clashes last weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, where neo-Nazis and white supremacists marched openly through the city's streets.

Trump on Saturday further praised the job done by all law enforcement involved with the rally as well as Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, a Democrat.

"Great job by all law enforcement officers and Boston Mayor @Marty_Walsh," Trump wrote.

The president was severely criticized last week, including by members of his own party, for seemingly drawing parallels between neo-Nazis and white supremacists and those resisting them.

On Saturday, Trump struck a more measured tone, later praising protesters for "speaking out against bigotry and hate."

He later added that "sometimes you need protest in order to heal."

"Our great country has been divided for decades. Sometimes you need protest in order to heal, & we will heal, & be stronger than ever before!," Trump wrote on Twitter.

Trump also reacted earlier on Saturday to a police shooting in Kissimmee, Florida, where two police officers were fatally injured.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the @KissimmeePolice and their loved ones. We are with you!," the president tweeted.