Anaheim Police Say Protesters Initiated Violence Against KKK Members During Rally

ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com)  —  Following what they called an all-night investigation, Anaheim Police determined the counter-protesters and not the KKK initiated the violence that rocked an Anaheim park Saturday.

Police said they arrived on scene less than two minutes after the first report of violence.

Three protesters were stabbed. One victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition. His condition was later upgraded to stable.

Police made a dozen arrests for the wild melee that took up about a city block inside Pearson Park.

Officials released half of the people arrested citing video evidence that cleared them of being the aggressors. As of Sunday night, they said they weren't holding any of the KKK members. Police believe they were all acting in self defense.

Police charged several of the protesters with elder abuse because they repeatedly stomped one of the KKK members who was over 65-year-of age.

Authorities later estimated the KKK members to be between 6-10 with twice as many counter-protesters taking part.

A juvenile counter-protester who was arrested and released Saturday was re-arrested, police said, after new video surfaced.

RELATED LINK: 12 In Custody After 3 Stabbed At Anaheim KKK Rally, Counter-protest

KCAL9's Erica Nochlin reported from Anaheim Sunday where police explained that they continue to look for one suspect, a counter-protester.

Police said they also determined that one Klan member was responsible for all three stabbings. They also said he acted in self-defense.

Despite the change in tone from the police, community activist Rev. James Stern told Nochlin he is calling on the US and California attorney generals to proscute the KKK.

"We've known for a long history time, everywhere the KKK mobilized, they bring about violence, you don't bring a knife to a peaceful rally," Stern said.

Stern says the KKK -- or any other organized hate group -- should be indicted under a Federal act called the Rico Act. It is designed to combat organized crime and has been used in the past against LA street gangs.

"If it's not done, it's another form of racist, of justice for one group and not for the other," Stern says.

The reverend told Nochlin he is planning a news conference in Beverly Hills on Monday asking people of all races to come together against the KKK's hate.

As for Saturday's bloodshed, the DA will still need to review the police findings.