Protesters clash outside Drag Story Hour at NYC library

Angry brawls erupted at a Drag Story Hour event in Queens on Thursday as protesters, including a neo-Nazi filmed giving a Heil Hitler salute, gathered outside a public library.

Dozens of police officers tried to keep dueling protesters apart during the wild scene outside the building in Jackson Heights. It was not immediately clear if any arrests were made.

At one point, cops appeared to stop a man who was barefoot and wearing ripped pants. The protester tried to kick an officer while calling him a “pig” who “wears shoes”.

Other videos showed some protesters arriving holding a Proud Boys banner and chanting “Leave the kids alone!” to the supporters of the event.

One video showed officers shooing away a hooded and masked neo-Nazi who gave the middle finger – then gave a Sieg Heil salute while calling for a “future for white children”.

Police had separated camps on either side of the road, with a large contingent supporting the event waving rainbow flags and umbrellas, chanting and holding signs such as “Queen [hearts] queens.”

Protesters against the events, on the other hand, carried signs accusing those behind the event of “tampering with children”.

Protesters gathered outside the Queens Public Library, where a Drag Story Hour event was being held. AFP via Getty Images A neo-Nazi was filmed giving a Heil Hitler salute outside the event. YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images

“You guys are disgusting pedophiles, every one of you!” a man spat as he leaned over a police barricade.

The NYPD confirmed that arrests had been made, but there was no immediate report on how many.

The event was sponsored by Jackson Heights Council Member Shekar Krishnan, who said Wednesday he was “proud to support Drag Story Hour and the literacy, love and joy it promotes in our libraries!”

Some protesters were taken away by the police. YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images There were bouts of violence outside the library on Thursday as the incident unfolded. YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images

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The opposing protesters had separated from the barricade. YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images

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He was joined by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and two other council members in issuing a statement Thursday condemning the “dirty and dangerous” protests against the events, as well as the politicians who support them.

“Hatred in all its destructive forms” has “no place in our city and must be condemned”, the statement said.

“We stand with New Yorkers who are gathering in Jackson Heights today to stand up to hate and stand up for families who read with their children.”

Police stand between protesters in an attempt to keep the peace outside a Drag Story Hour event. YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images Children observe protesters in support of and against the controversial event on Thursday inside the Queen’s library. YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images

The group emphasized that “this City Council is proud to support children’s programs that promote inclusion, literacy and joy.”

The Jackson Heights library advertised the event as “a celebration of gender diversity, giving kids queer role models and the confidence to express themselves however they feel comfortable.” It would feature “a wonderful artist reading picture books, singing songs and leading children in a craft activity.”