At least three arrests were made Thursday evening after fights broke out during a town hall meeting in Ferguson, Missouri, according to local reports.
The meeting featured Mayor James Knowles III and a Justice Department representative. It came near the one-year anniversary mark of Michael Brown's death which sparked riots in the St. Louis suburb.
According to witness accounts, the disturbance occurred after protesters calling for the mayor's recall were allowed to enter the meeting.
One witness, Sarah Kendzior tweeted images from the scene, describing it as "chaos."
The protesters have been allowed in to town hall meeting with mayor in Ferguson http://t.co/JGuIRVKEm0— Sarah Kendzior (@Sarah Kendzior) 1438302635.0
Ferguson townhall dissolves into chaos as physical fights break out between black and white residents. Everyone is screaming.— Sarah Kendzior (@Sarah Kendzior) 1438302996.0
Chaos at Ferguson meeting. The mayor appears to have left. Police breaking up fights and evicting audience. http://t.co/P3onevpIVW— Sarah Kendzior (@Sarah Kendzior) 1438303115.0
Absolute chaos in Ferguson. Citizens screaming, pushing. Mayor fled. Police being confrontational, rounding people up http://t.co/IPTLQYmDVO— Sarah Kendzior (@Sarah Kendzior) 1438303412.0
A community activist tweeted video of one arrest (warning: strong language):
http://t.co/qaFjtFzHeZ— Search4Swag (@Search4Swag) 1438304730.0
A representative for the Ferguson Police Department was not immediately made available to TheBlaze for comment.
The City of Ferguson tweeted out that the "disturbance escalated when a crowd disrupted the meeting." The city added that "Mayor Knowles and already left the meeting before the disturbance began."
In two follow-up tweets, the City of Ferguson said future disruptions "will not be tolerated."
The City will continue to embrace open dialogue with individuals who are wanting to make our city a better place.— City of Ferguson (@City of Ferguson) 1438311916.0
But, the disruption of meetings cannot and will not be tolerated.— City of Ferguson (@City of Ferguson) 1438311945.0
Mass protests are scheduled in early August to commemorate the one year mark of Brown's death.
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