One person faces charges after reported assault at anarchist event

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —

Asheville police are investigating a reported assault they say took place at an anarchist event over the weekend.

A press release from the Asheville Police Department (APD) said officers responded to reports of fighting just before 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 29 at the West Asheville Library. Police said “between 80 and 100 people were attending an ACAB seminar titled ‘Strategic Lessons from the Palestinian Resistance.'”

ACAB in this instance is referring to the title of the weekend events: Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair. The three-day event aimed to celebrate queer identity, constructive anarchy and global citizenry, according to organizers.

When officers arrived, APD’s release said they noticed a crowd dispersing. Three victims reported an altercation had taken place followed by an assault while they were live-streaming the event on social media.

“The victims told officers another attendee forcefully took one of their cell phones, after which a large crowd proceeded to attack and assault them,” APD’s Monday release noted. “The victims suffered minor injuries and were checked out by EMS.”

During the investigation, 35-year-old Taylor Danielle Zarkin was charged with two counts of resisting, delay, and obstruct. A spokesperson for the police department told 828newsNOW these charges “were in relation to her interaction with officers.”

Police said they are continuing to investigate the matter and an APD spokesperson said there is the possibility for more charges to be filed.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or identification of the offenders is asked contact Asheville Police at (828) 252-1110. You can also submit an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.