LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — At least 94 people were arrested, seven citations were issued and four police officers were injured when a protest in downtown Las Vegas turned into an "unlawful demonstration" on Wednesday night, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
"The protest was declared an unlawful assembly after protestors failed to obey lawful orders," police stated in a news release on Thursday. "Violent actions included protestors throwing water bottles and rocks at LVMPD officers. Several roadways were also blocked by protestors."
Police estimate the crowd gathered downtown included approximately 800 people when they gave the order to disperse, which they say they did in both English and Spanish.
The protest that began outside the ICE field office on Las Vegas Boulevard and Clark Avenue was organized in solidarity with those protesting ICE raids and detentions in the Los Angeles area.
WATCH: Locals tell Channel 13 what moved them to join the rally in downtown Las Vegas
Around 9 p.m., Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers in riot gear lined nearby streets, warning they would use tear gas if protesters didn't disperse, causing chaos among the crowd.
"Citizens who refused to comply were arrested for various criminal and traffic infractions," Las Vegas police stated.
Police also noted that several buildings in downtown were found to be spray painted "and other property was vandalized" in the aftermath of the demonstration.
"LVMPD 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," an LVMPD spokesperson wrote. "As a reminder to the public, we ask that those who choose to exercise their First Amendment rights do so peacefully and lawfully."
Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto issued a statement to Channel 13 concerning the protests in Las Vegas on Thursday.
“I’ll always support the right of Nevadans to peacefully exercise their 1st amendment rights. Violence and harming law enforcement is never acceptable.” – Senator Cortez Masto
Attorney General Ford also issued a statement stating people have the right to protest peacefully, but most follow law enforcement's orders.
“In light of recent demonstrations across our communities, my priorities as Attorney General remain clear: protecting both public safety and Nevadans’ constitutional rights, including the First Amendment right to peacefully protest. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated in the Silver State, and those who break the law will be held accountable. Likewise, those who are exercising their rights peacefully must be protected. Nevada’s local law enforcement agencies are fully equipped to handle both realities. We do not need a federalized National Guard — and we certainly don't need the United States Marine Corps — in Nevada. I encourage anyone participating in protests to do so peacefully, and I implore the public to obey law enforcement’s orders. If a protest is declared an unlawful assembly by law enforcement, everyone should disperse immediately.”
This comes as another protest is being organized in downtown Las Vegas over the weekend.
A nationwide movement of "No Kings Day" protests is expected to take place on Saturday, including a local rally organized in part by Indivisible Las Vegas.
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