June 15, 2020
Officers Injured, Arrest Made During
Violent Demonstration outside RPD HQ
A demonstration by protesters
overnight outside the Richmond Police Department Headquarters at 200 W. Grace
Street turned violent, resulting in injuries to several law enforcement
officers, property damage and one arrest.
“This demonstration escalated into
rioting and violence that lasted throughout the night and into the early
morning hours,” said Richmond Police Chief William C. Smith. “Last night’s
actions far exceeded what is considered to be lawful First Amendment activity.
Organizers were intent on provocation and creating mayhem by throwing rocks and
other objects at the officers on duty, who showed great restraint in response
to these attacks.”
Three officers were injured during
the rioting. Several city vehicles, including city dump trucks, sustained
significant damage. Several privately owned buildings in the area were also
vandalized. Numerous dumpster fires were set with the intent to destroy public
and private property.
The escalating violence prompted
multiple declarations of an unlawful assembly, which was broadcast to the crowd
several times with instructions to disperse. After warnings were disregarded, a
pepper spray fogger was deployed.
One person was taken into custody
after crossing the police line after repeated warnings not to do so. When a RPD
officer attempted to stop her, the suspect struck the officer in the head with
a bullhorn. Michaela G. Hatton, 22, of Richmond, was charged with felony
assault on a law enforcement officer and conspiracy to incite a riot. During
the booking process, Ms. Hatton refused to provide her personal information, as
required by law.
At her hearing Monday, the judge
also banned her from any actions tending to incite criminal activity.
Chief Smith drew a distinction
between the overwhelming majority of protestors who are peacefully and lawfully
exercising their rights and those who are seeking to do harm to the community
through acts of violence, inciting conflict with law enforcement and destroying
property.
“We fully support peaceful
demonstrations, but we will not tolerate the violent assault of police
officers, the threats to law-abiding members of our residential and business
community or the willful destruction of city and private property,” said Chief
Smith.
“I expect my officers to remain
patient and professional during this trying time, and will hold accountable
those who do not uphold this standard. But demonstrators must practice
non-violence, and under no circumstance will I allow violent protest to continue
to harm our community.”
