A demonstration led by far-right influencer Jake Lang took place on Friday near the 9/11 memorial ceremonies in New York City, resulting in clashes between participants and counterprotesters. The event, titled the “Crossover March,” gathered approximately 100 demonstrators outside the David Dinkins Municipal Building shortly after 11 a.m.

Law enforcement responded to reports of unrest as tensions escalated between Lang’s group, which espoused anti-Muslim sentiments, and a counterprotest group of about 40 individuals. Witnesses and video footage showed a volatile scene near Church Street and Cortlandt Way, where conflict broke out, involving participants with opposing views.

The counterprotesters represented a diverse and charged mix, including anti-racists expressing opposition to Lang’s message, as well as neo-Nazis displaying swastikas. Among the counterprotesters was also an individual dressed in an Elmo costume draped with a Palestinian flag, adding to the unusual and contentious nature of the gathering.

The demonstration sparked strong reactions from those attending the 9/11 memorial service. Michael Massorioli’s son, the child of a 9/11 victim, criticized the march for politicizing and dishonoring the memory of those lost in the attacks. “You do my dad’s legacy and the legacy of all these victims no honor by using this tragedy to spread hate,” he said during the reading of victims’ names at the annual ceremony.

At least one individual was taken into custody amid the disorder. Police were actively involved in restoring order as confrontations between the groups intensified. Authorities have not released further details regarding the arrest or any potential charges.

The event underscored the ongoing tensions surrounding issues of race, religion, and memory tied to the 9/11 attacks, with demonstrators and counter-demonstrators leveraging the anniversary occasion to broadcast sharply divergent messages.