In a recent escalation of tensions in downtown Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) arrested 94 protestors and issued juvenile citations after a rally allegedly devolved into an unlawful demonstration on South Las Vegas Boulevard. On Wednesday incident, which the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shared details of on social media, also resulted in four officers being injured amidst what was described as a melee with participants throwing objects, including water bottles and rocks, at law enforcement.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's Facebook post, the protest, involving a crowd approximately 800 strong, was deemed an "unlawful assembly" following the alleged failure of protestors to adhere to lawful orders. Despite dispersal orders being issued in both English and Spanish—the crowd was asked to vacate the area, those who remained were arrested for varying criminal and traffic infractions.
This confrontation comes at a time when public demonstrations and police responses are under increased scrutiny. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated that it "understands the rights of our citizens to exercise their First Amendment rights but will not tolerate acts of violence and vandalism resulting from these protests." In their message, they remind the public to express their views peacefully and lawfully, directing any interested parties to their website for further information on protest safety.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated that people who didn’t follow the law were arrested for various criminal and traffic violations. They also shared concerns about injured officers and roads that were blocked during the protest.
