Tear gas, non-lethal rounds used to disperse Las Vegas Strip protesters on night 4
[FOX NEWS]
LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A Black Lives Matter protest in response to the death of George Floyd on the Las Vegas Strip Sunday remained peaceful for several hours before SWAT units used tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters.
Las Vegas police line the Las Vegas Strip amid protests for George Floyd on Sunday, May 31, 2020.
About 5 p.m., dozens of protesters had gathered near Mandalay Bay on the south end of the Strip. Sunday’s demonstration marks the fourth day of protests in Las Vegas as cities across the nation take further precautions including curfews and implementing the National Guard.
By 6 p.m., hundreds had gathered and marched north on Las Vegas Boulevard. Las Vegas police held a line at Reno Avenue to block the protesters. By 7:20 p.m., the group had turned back south on Las Vegas Boulevard.
About 8:30 p.m., LVMPD and SWAT clashed with the group, leading to SWAT using tear gas on the crowd. Prior to the use of the gas, police had announced a dispersal order. Much of the crowd scattered and police continued to patrol up and down the Strip.
By 9 p.m., Las Vegas media members and protesters shared on social media they were being shot at with non-lethal rounds from SWAT officers.
At 10:30 p.m., police said activity had mostly calmed down on the Las Vegas Strip. LVMPD Lt. David Gordon said officers were still responding to multiple locations where activity was still happening. He did not specify the locations.
“Officers are focusing thier efforts on protecting citizens from harm, minimizing property damage and arresting protesters who are engaging in acts of violence/destruction,” he said. The situation was ongoing.
The Deuce bus route for RTC, which runs up and down Las Vegas Boulevard, was being detoured from Sands Avenue to the South Strip Transfer Terminal.
A spokesman for Clark County said there was no curfew planned for the Las Vegas Valley “at this time.”
JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE
In a press conference at Las Vegas Metropolitan Police headquarters Sunday afternoon, Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said they supported protesters, but could not support items thrown at police or destruction.
“We know there are people who have come here for lawlessness. Fires are not okay, throwing rocks, frozen water bottles, are not okay. We will take those people away so you can continue your peaceful protest,” McMahill said.
“I have yet to speak with a fellow officer that is not appalled by what happened to Mr. George Floyd,” he said.
Pastor Troy Martinez offered a prayer for all affected by Floyd’s death, protesters and those viewing the unfolding protests in the country.
Jon Ponder with Hope 4 Prisoners said the community is broken-hearted. “To respond to violence with further violence only causes more pain,” he said.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman said Las Vegas needs to “stand as a symbol for what acceptance, equality and family really means.”
The mayor called for Las Vegas to be a model for the world, noting the city’s diverse population. “This is our home … Peaceful protest has to take place.”
“Hold up the memory of George Floyd and so many others who have passed. It’s a tough time but we will get through it,” said Ward 5 City Councilman Cedric Crear.
“It’s your constitutional right to march. It’s not your constitutional right to destroy.”
“The violence that we’ve witnessed across the nation this week is extremely disturbing and antithetical to the justice and understanding that is being sought,” North Las Vegas Councilwoman Pamela Goynes-Brown said in an emailed statement Sunday. “I urge our community and nation, our activists, residents and law enforcement officers, to work together peacefully and productively to further our shared mission of equality and justice for all.”
CLOSURES AS PRECAUTION
Downtown Summerlin closed at 4 p.m. on May 31 upon a recommendation from Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, “to help ensure the safety of our guests and employees as Las Vegas prepares for additional protests. Our hearts are with the Las Vegas community at this time.”
Social media posts had claimed a protest was planned for the area Sunday evening. By 7:40 p.m., a small group had gathered near the perimeter of Downtown Summerlin.
Several employees of Las Vegas Valley Walmart stores told FOX5 the stores would close early on Sunday, however an associate at a Las Vegas store said “as of yet, we do not know.”
“As we continue monitoring the situations unfolding in cities across the country, we will keep our focus on prioritizing the safety of our associates and customers,” Walmart said in an official statement. “We’ll make the decisions to close or reopen stores in the area based on the needs of the community.”
By Kristen DeSilva