Hundreds march through Durham to protest white supremacist groups

DURHAM, N.C. — Hundreds of people marched Friday through downtown Durham to protest white supremacist groups.

The counter-protest started after there were rumors that there would be a white supremacist rally on Friday.

Durham police tweet that "1 person in custody at DPD headquarters; charged with Failure to Disperse. There is no reason for anybody to come downtown at this point."

City and county officials said no permits for any march were issued and there was no confirmation of a rumored white supremacist march.

Our TV partner in Raleigh, WTVD, has crews on the scene and said they have seen several protesters armed with guns, axes and other weapons.

[PHOTOS: Hundred march in Durham to protests white supremacists]

Police in tactical gear are gathered outside the Old Courthouse where earlier this week, protesters toppled a Confederate monument.

Tensions have been running high after dueling protests between white supremacists and counter-protesters turned deadly in Charlottesville, Virginia, over the weekend.

The Durham County Sheriff issued a statement Friday urging protesters to abide by the law.

“The Sheriff’s Office is thoroughly researching the potential of several groups with opposing viewpoints holding demonstrations in Durham. This is partly why the Sheriff’s Office continues to remind demonstrators to first obtain a permit and most importantly, abide by the law. I expect demonstrators to conduct themselves in such a manner that is legal and respectful of the Durham County community. Again, I call upon city and county leaders to establish rules for demonstrators.”

A number of business in downtown Durham closed and sent workers home as the protests started to ramp up.

The protest that started around noon Friday was peaceful.

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