Phoenix police confirmed the arrest of a handful of people after protesters clashed with law enforcement outside of the Phoenix Convention Center after President Trump wrapped up his speech there Tuesday evening.
Two people were arrested for assault on police, there was one criminal damage arrest, and another person was arrested for an unrelated misdemeanor warrant, Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams told reporters, according to Arizona Republic reporter Megan Cassidy.
Police arrest this woman outside the @POTUS #Trump rally in #Phoenix following protest. Officer wouldn’t say what she did. pic.twitter.com/SafFOSsJG1
— Dan Marries (@DanMarriesKOLD) August 23, 2017
Amid the chaos police, wearing riot gear, fired canisters of tear gas or smoke, and flash bangs to disperse protesters as they began to dismantle barricades that were set up for the rally. Williams emphasized that there was only a “small number” of protesters who attempted to break down the barriers, according to Cassidy. Police also said they used pepper balls, not rubber bullets, to help disperse the crowd and no officers were injured.
Phoenix police said in a tweet that they were dealing with “criminal behavior near 2nd St & Monroe.” A police helicopter flying overhead ordered demonstrators to leave the area or face possible arrest.
“Leave the area or you are subject to arrest” heard from Phoenix police helicopter after #TrumpRally as I’m leaving class pic.twitter.com/Bdn3eKV6Kb— Taylor Bishop (@taylor_bishop6) August 23, 2017
Trump’s rally attracted thousands of protesters, both supporters of the president and those who demonstrated against him. They gathered earlier in the day as temperatures rose above 100 degrees.
