(CNN) Thousands of counterdemonstrators marched Saturday in downtown Boston in a largely peaceful response to a self-described free speech rally that had sparked concerns of possible violence. Rally ends earlier than expectedThe rally began at noon on Boston Common, and by 1:30 p.m., police tweeted: "'Free Speech' rally is officially over. #UPDATE: "Free Speech" rally is officially over. Rally organizers in Boston had invited "libertarians, conservatives, traditionalists, classical liberals, Trump supporters or anyone else who enjoys their right to free speech," according to a group calling itself the Boston Free Speech Coalition. Boston prepared, city officials vowWalsh, the mayor, and Boston Police Commissioner Williams Evans said before the rally that the city was prepared.

Source: CNN August 19, 2017 14:59 UTC