I know this is a fairly old thread, but I just stumbled upon it. In my opinion, the scene shown in the video is not a “protest/counter-protest” – it is a riot, pure and simple. There is chaos and multiple acts of intentional and prolonged violence everywhere in the camera’s frame of view, even when the camera is panned.

With nothing to go on besides the video, it is impossible to determine the actions of either of the parties OP is asking about prior to when they enter the camera’s field of view or what their intent was when they did enter view of the camera. However, it does not APPEAR that either is attempting to escape the chaos or making any attempt to calm the scene. What it APPEARS is that both are intentionally advancing to join the fray and, in so doing, engage each other. Therefore, in my opinion, neither can make a valid claim of assault as it truly was “mutual combat.” Further, because of the widespread violence going on around them, both are guilty of more than a simple disorderly conduct – akin to a couple of drunks going out behind the bar to posture and fight. I believe that it would be appropriate to charge both with rioting, which, while still a misdemeanor, carries the possibility of a stiffer penalty than disorderly.

Unfortunately, the major media outlets delight in distorting definitions when reporting such events recently. “Peaceful protest” is interpreted as “there were sporadic acts of vandalism, major disruptions to traffic and free travel, and lots of hateful and violent rhetoric – but no major amounts of blood was spilled nor were any buildings burned (dumpsters or even vehicles don’t seem to count as “real” arson) or other violent felonies.” “Mostly peaceful protest” means “there was serious violence, property damage, arson, etc., but there is no proof that more than 50% of those present were actively engaged in any of those acts – MOST of the rioters (50.1%) limited themselves to merely actively blocking the police when they tried to identify and apprehend those so engaged.” In that media environment, few prosecutors are willing to follow through with charges for those rounded up in group arrests for things like disorderly or rioting. They will only charge those positively identifiable on video while doing things like committing felony level assaults or taking an axe to the firehose of the firemen trying to put out the arson fires. Therefore, the cops are directed to “contain” the chaos and violence rather than attempt to quell it by arresting those causing it (and risk being sued – or worse, being subjected to a civil rights investigation – for “provoking” someone already actively participating in a riot).

Just my personal opinion and two cents on the topic – take it for what you will.