100,000+ march in U.K. 'Unite the Kingdom' protest in London
More than 100,000 Britons who are frustrated with the United Kingdom's immigration policies marched in central London during a protest march on Saturday.
Protesters display St. George and Union Jack flags during a "Unite the Kingdom" rally in central London on Saturday. Photo by Tayfun Salci/EPA UPI
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- More than 100,000 Britons who are frustrated with the United Kingdom's immigration policies marched in central London during a Saturday afternoon and evening event billed as "Unite the Kingdom."
The event was organized by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon aka Tommy Robinson and included a video address from Elon Musk.
Musk, 54, accused the U.K. government of not protecting "innocent people, including children who are getting gang-raped," The Times reported.
"There's this genuine risk of rape and murder and the destruction of the country and the dissolution of the entire way of life," Musk told the protesters.
"If you weren't under a massive attack, then people should go about their business and live their lives, but unfortunately, if the fight comes to you, you don't have a choice," he continued.
"Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you," Musk added. "You either fight back or you die."
An estimated 110,000 people participated in the protest march from Waterloo Bridge to Whitehall and at times clashed with police, 26 of whom were injured when pelted with bottles and other projectiles, according to The BBC.
Four officers suffered serious injuries, and at least 25 people were arrested for what London's Metropolitan Police called "wholly unacceptable" violence.
The Metro Police deployed 1,000 officers, who were assisted by 500 others from nearby jurisdictions.
"There is no doubt that many came here to exercise their lawful right to protect, but there were many who came intent on violence," Matt Twist, assistant commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, told the BBC.
A counter-protest called "Stand Up to Racism" drew about 5,000 participants and was organized by Women Against the Far Right, The Guardian reported.
Those protesters carried placards saying, "Refugees Welcome" and "Oppose Tommy Robinson," among others.
