Three Texas men, two of whom have known “connections to extremist groups,” have been charged with attempted murder after they fired shots at people protesting against white nationalist Richard Spencer in Gainesville, Fla.
Spencer was at the University of Florida to give a speech, which quickly derailed into a shouting match with protesters who chanted “Go home Nazis” and raised fists in protest of the alt-right activist’s presence.
WATCH: Richard Spencer speech derails into shouting match with angry protesters
Florida Gov. Rick Scott had earlier declared a state of emergency to prepare for potential violence around Spencer’s speaking engagement, and it appears his fears weren’t entirely unfounded.
According to the Gainesville Police Department, a pair of men began arguing with protesters after the speech, giving Nazi salutes and chanting in praise of Adolf Hitler. At some point during the exchange, one of the men, a convicted felon, allegedly pulled a handgun while his companions urged him to fire at the protesters.
READ MORE: ‘Go home Nazis’: Florida protesters rally against speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer
The man fired a shot but missed entirely, the bullet striking a nearby building. The trio then fled in their SUV.
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Despite being shot at, “one of the victims amazingly remained calm and was able to get the vehicle tag number and reported it immediately to law enforcement,” police said.
Due to the fact that local, state and federal law enforcement were working in “unified command” mode — as a direct result of the Spencer event — the vehicle was quickly located just over three hours after the incident.
WATCH: White nationalist surrounded and arrested during Richard Spencer protests
Tyler Tenbrink, who police say admitted to firing the shot, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Brothers William and Colton Fears are charged with attempted murder.
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