For some, Dallas rally mostly peaceful

Before a small portion of rally-goers broke off and expressed anger, Saturday's rally was mostly peaceful, reaching a peak of 2,500 people.

Among those in the crowd, activist Alia Salem.

"From where we stood, we didn't see anything but love and happiness and peace and positivity around the movement," said Salem.

But the rally wasn't without skirmishes.

Several clashes broke out early by the Confederate monuments nearby, which an armed group took it upon themselves to protect.

Attendees we spoke to say the groups were kept separate as much as possible by Dallas police.

"We were pretty much protected from all of that stuff. It was only people who had an intent to go do something that were engaging in that kind of stuff. The vast majority of people were there to stand in solidarity and rally for a positive message," said Salem.

Nancy Kasten of Faith Forward Dallas was one of the speakers at the rally and brought her family.

She says she was glad to see DPD prepared with DART buses and city services trucks blocking roadways from any traffic that could do harm, like in Charlottesville.

"I think they definitely made us feel safer and I think the one thing I regret about last night is that we didn't really give adequate thanks to the Dallas Police Department. I think they really last night did a very extraordinary job of protecting everyone who was there," said Kasten.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings issued a statement after the rally, saying in part:

"Our city listened to those that spoke and we will continue to listen to one another.  We will take these statues down and we will do so soon. Thanks to all for your peaceful protest. "

"We have so many fissures that need to be healed and repaired and the only way to do that is with real conversation, with respectful converastion, and with listening as well as speaking," said Kasten.

Another rally against white supremacy organized by a different group is planned for Friday night at City Hall.