The original rally planned by the Traditionalist Worker Party at the Capitol on Sunday was a permitted event.
Many on social media were surprised and even angry to hear that. The California Highway Patrol handles the permits at the State Capitol.
"[They have the] right to free speech. Right or wrong. Like it or don't," said Officer George Granada with the CHP. "We can't say one group can have a permit and one can't."
The original rally was scheduled for noon on the West Steps of the Capitol, but hundreds of counter-protestors aimed to stop the rally and were successful in doing so. The rally was canceled before it could even begin after the day took a violent turn.
Granada said that even though the group and their rally qualified for a permit, it can be pulled for violence. All other events that day were canceled and the Capitol went on a lockdown.
CHP worked alongside Sacramento Police to control the chaos. They had more than 100 officers out there, many in riot gear or on horses.
Granada commended law enforcement for crowd control. Although he acknowledges that there were multiple injuries, he added that no civilians were hurt.
"I would call that an A+ for us," Granada said.
Arrests have yet to be made. Sacramento Police are investigating two assault cases, although they said there could be more. CHP said vandalism charges could be filed too for destroying Capitol property. They need more information to find any suspect or suspects.