A gathering in Pittsboro turned violent on Thursday after a scuffle broke out between members of two opposing groups.

A Facebook livestream of the incident posted by Kevin Pittman shows a group of people carrying Confederate flags standing at the Chatham County Historic Courthouse in downtown Pittsboro, the former site of a Confederate statue removed in November. People on the other side of the street are talking through bullhorns, criticizing the demonstrators’ support of the Confederacy and denouncing white supremacy.

About 29 minutes into the video, demonstrators with the flags then seem to move toward vehicles to depart, with one getting into a truck. The video then quickly swings to show a fight started between opposing demonstrators behind the truck, which develops into more punches thrown and Confederate flags swung to hit others.

A demonstrator swings a Confederate flag at other demonstrators after a fight broke out on Thursday in front of the Historic Chatham County Courthouse. (Photo via Kerwin Pittman.)

After the skirmish, video shows the two sides continuing to shout back and forth about how the altercation began. Shortly after, officers with the Pittsboro Police Department show up and separate the parties. Later in the livestream, an ambulance comes to treat the injuries one woman sustained during the incident.

The Chatham County Historic Courthouse has been the site of protests before, as pro-Confederate groups rallied in support of keeping a Confederate statue donated to the town by the United Daughters of the Confederacy before and after its removal. Such demonstrations often draw counter-protests from people advocating against white supremacy and racism.

According to a report from WRAL on the incident, the Pittsboro Police Department took out a warrant on one demonstrator on charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and assault on a female.

Photo via the Pittsboro Police Department.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

 

 

Related Stories
‹
11 Arrested in Chatham County After Protests Over Confederate Statue
Following a protest in Pittsboro over the future of a Confederate monument on Saturday, authorities arrested 11 people after physical altercations broke out between protesters and counter-protesters. The demonstrations came in the wake of a court denying a motion from the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy asking for a preliminary injunction […]
Tensions Flare in Chatham County as Confederate Monument Deadline Nears
Tension in Chatham County continues in the lead-up to the expected removal of a Confederate statue outside of the historic county courthouse next week. At this week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, community members spoke for and against the action. A rally in Pittsboro this past weekend reignited debate and tempers between those supporting the […]
Chatham County Commissioners Vote To Remove Confederate Statue
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 Monday night in favor of removing the Confederate statue in front of the Chatham County courthouse. The results were met with strong approval from some and strong criticism from others. The decision, which came the night before the one-year anniversary of the Confederate statue Silent Sam being […]
Chatham County Fair Celebrates 75 Years as the Country's Longest-Running Black-Owned Fair
The Chatham County fair turned 75 years old last weekend. It is one of the longest-running African American fairs in the country.
Pittsboro Native, Former Football Player Tobais Palmer Details His Campaign for Town Commissioner Seat
Tobais Palmer, who grew up in Pittsboro during the 1990s, has seen many changes around town. Now, he is running to be an elected official.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Busts 2 Smoke Shops for Items Over THC Limits
After testing THC-A products purchased at two businesses, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office announced charges against the operators.
On the Porch: Mayor Kyle Shipp and Tami Schwerin - Sculpture Celebration at The Plant
This Week: Tami Schwerin is a re-developer of The Plant, taking a cold-war industrial plant and creating a community hub of food, beverage and experiences. Her past experience includes founding a local food, renewable energy and cultural non-profit; Abundance NC. Before that she helped build Chatham Marketplace, a local co-op grocery store. She has served on art and environmental boards of directors. She traveled the world selling software in her younger years and renovated several old broken-down houses. Tami loves a challenge and creating a world that she wants to live in. She grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and loves the south and Pittsboro.  Kyle Shipp serves as the Mayor of Pittsboro, North Carolina, where he focuses on responsible growth, infrastructure, and transparent governance. He previously served as a Town Commissioner and Planning Board member. In his full-time role, Kyle works as an engineer in the data center industry, specializing in industrial control systems. He also serves as Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina, supporting youth development across the region. With a background in engineering and a passion for community service, Kyle works to ensure Pittsboro grows in a way that reflects its values and long-term vision.
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 9, discussing town news and events. He discussed the most recent meeting of the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners, which included a staff update on the Small Area Plan for Chatham Park's South Village. He also discussed the results of a feasibility study for the new Town Hall, gave a local business update, previewed a ribbon cutting for the new skate park, and more.
On the Porch: Ellen Brown - Myths about Money
This Week: Ellen Brown is an attorney and author of thirteen books and hundreds of articles (all on her blog at http://EllenBrown.com). Her titles include the bestselling "Web of Debt" and "Nature's Pharmacy," co-authored with Dr. Lynne Walker, along with "The Public Bank Solution" and her latest book "Banking on the People."  She graduated from UC Berkeley in 1967 and from UCLA Law School in 1977; practiced law for ten years in Los Angeles; then spent 11 years abroad, in Kenya, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, with her husband and two children. She co-founded and chaired of the Public Banking Institute from which she retired in Spring of 2025 
On the Porch: Adam Edelen - Bringing the Promise of Renewable Energy to Rural America
This Week: Adam Edelen is a dynamic leader with a demonstrated record of success in both the private and public sectors. As founder and CEO of Edelen Renewables, he has garnered significant attention for forming partnerships to pioneer coal-to-solar projects and other green energy developments in struggling energy communities. His firm’s unique Social Impact Solar® approach reflects a deep commitment to economic revitalization and environmental sustainability.
›