I don't buy the “Alt Right” label, any more than I buy the fact that this was a legitimate protest on either side. I think it started with people legitimately protesting the removal of our history and that group was highjacked by people wanting to create a riot. This whole “Alt Right” label is nothing but a moniker foisted upon decent people who are trying to maintain a civil society that works for everyone. They are trying to criminalize everyone who voted for trump. There is news yet to come on this story, and I'm betting it involves an organized group that brought these nazi demonstrators in. As someone else pointed out—the flags they were flying still had the package wrinkles.
"I don't buy the “Alt Right” label"
But there actually is a group known as the alt right and they did apply for permits down there.
I agree that there are those that show up to events to preempt them. That seems to happen every time.
You're also correct not to simply trust the press or someone on TV applying that moniker willy nilly.
For reference, two links below. One the alt right website and the other, the southern poverty law center's take on them.
www.altright.com
https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/alternative-right