Two men charged with battery, suspected of violence during BLM protest in Nevada City

The Nevada County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday that two men were being charged with battery after being suspected of violence during a Black Lives Matter protest earlier this month.

In a news release, the District Attorney’s Office said prosecutors have filed misdemeanor battery charges against Randy Matheson and Joseph Alves, who were present during a demonstration against police brutality on Aug. 9.

The protests were launched in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and followed a widespread wave of marches and demonstrations across California and the United States.

Prosecutors say that during the Nevada City protest, Matheson punched someone in the face. Alves is alleged to have snatched a sign away from a protester, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

“Peaceful demonstrators should be protected and safe from bullying or harassment,” the District Attorney’s Office said in a prepared statement.

Protests in foothills communities have often been met with opposition. Counter-protesters frequently appear and clash with those supporting Black Lives Matter, often toting Blue Lives Matter signage in response as a show of solidarity with law enforcement.

The Aug. 9 protest erupted in chaos as counter-protesters confronted demonstrators on the streets of rural Nevada City. Footage taken during the demonstration showed counter-protesters approaching people marching, escalating conflicts and offering pointed insults.

Tensions boiled over when a man, possibly Alves, appeared to push a protester. Another man, possibly Matheson, suddenly stepped in and delivered a swift blow to the protester. The first man goes on to fiercely grab a sign from a different protester, aided by several others, including the second man.