Tempe Protest Ends In Several Arrests

TEMPE, AZ — After weeks of peaceful Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality, a demonstration Monday in Tempe ended with tear gas and several arrests. The protesters had gathered at Tempe Beach Park to support the movement and bring attention to the deaths of Dalvin Hollins and Dion Johnson, who were killed during interactions with Valley police officers.

Monday was the four-year anniversary of Hollins’ death and the day before what would have been Johnson’s 29th birthday. Hollins was fatally shot by Tempe police in 2016 after being suspected of robbery, according to the Arizona Republic. Johnson was killed by an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper in May.

Tweets on the Tempe Police Department's Twitter page said officers were out to ensure the protesters’ First Amendment rights but that they would not be allowed to enter the roadway and must remain on the sidewalk.

Police officials noted that protesters took over Scottsdale Road at Playa Del Norte Drive several hours into the demonstration and were then asked by officers to disperse.

Tempe Police Chief Sylvia Moir said that protesters then hurled projectiles at the officers. “It is unacceptable to hurl projectiles at people,” she tweeted from her personal account. “Cops are people there to protect free expression and provide public safety. When you throw objects at them, that is NOT OK.”

The projectiles prompted officers to spray the crowd with pepper spray and other chemical agents before detaining several people.

Tempe Detective Natalie Barela told Patch she expected more information about the arrests to come later Tuesday.

In a statement, Tempe Against Police Violence, which organized the protest, denounced the police officers' "violent repression."

"We were inspired by all those who stood up to the violence of the police, even as people were arrested or targeted by Tempe PD," the statement read. "Our strength is in the streets together, and solidarity is our weapon."

Monday’s protest comes after Saturday’s downtown Phoenix demonstration in solidarity with the city of Portland, where federal agents are cracking down on protests.