Unlawful assembly declared outside of Trump rally venue in Phoenix

PHOENIX — Protesters against Donald Trump gathered outside Dream City Church in north Phoenix, where the president held a rally Tuesday.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m., police in riot gear arrived, started asking protesters to move back and eventually declared an unlawful assembly.

Officers have declared this an unlawful assembly. [@TaylorKinnerup and I were caught off guard by pepper spray, we’re both ok.] pic.twitter.com/010P3Cj34G

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) June 23, 2020

The Phoenix Police Department said in an email that the officers used flash bangs, pepper balls and pepper spray in order to disperse the crowd after two demonstrators each punched two separate officers.

The email also cited objects being thrown at officers by demonstrators as part of the criminal activity that caused the declaration of an unlawful assembly.

Protesters started setting up in a “free speech zone” around noon, while Trump’s speech started around 3:30 p.m.

Just after 1 p.m., most of those attending the rally had made their way inside the church.

Outside v. Inside: seems like most of the people here to see @realDonaldTrump have already gone in. No long lines, but a growing crowd in the freedom of speech zone. pic.twitter.com/HV0VkyQ0sD

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) June 23, 2020

But shortly thereafter, tensions started to rise between Trump supporters and protesters in the free speech zone.

Tensions are still high in the free speech zone. pic.twitter.com/G5wLc6so8y

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) June 23, 2020

Groups in attendance protesting the rally included Black Lives Matter, who could be heard chanting “Whose streets? Our streets!”

This is what it sounds like right now outside of the church. pic.twitter.com/hC433nxM2h

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) June 23, 2020

Just before 3 p.m., Trump’s motorcade arrived at Dream City Church.

Shortly after that, protesters moved out of the free speech zone and walked to the entrance of the church.

Protesters have moved out of the free speech zone, they say the police presence around them is unjustified. pic.twitter.com/ihYYUAUdy6

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) June 23, 2020

They were met by the Phoenix police officers, who advised the protesters that the Dream City Church entrance was closed.

Protesters are being loud, they’ve gotten face to face with police, they’re asking authorities to allow them to protest freely. pic.twitter.com/jT06LmyS2G

— Gabriel Gamiño (@gaminogabriel) June 23, 2020

President Trump left the church in his motorcade just after 5 p.m. and departed from Sky Harbor International Airport via Air Force One shortly after 5:45 p.m.

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