Phoenix moving ahead with independent review of Trump rally protest
Aug 28, 2017, 1:49 PM | Updated: Aug 29, 2017, 6:50 am
(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
PHOENIX — The city manager of Phoenix has determined that there will be an independent review of police actions in trying to control protesters after last week’s rally for President Donald Trump.
In a letter to Police Chief Jeri Williams dated Monday, Ed Zuercher first commended the department’s response, but noted there was much talk in the community “about how the final hour of the day unfolded” and that was why he was going forward with assessement from “an outside firm.”
The day after the rally, Williams told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes that she would give her team “an A+” for its handling of the protest but she also was ordering a departmental review of Tuesday night, when four were arrested. A fifth arrest was unrelated to the protest.
Protests began peacefully and remained that way until the rally ended. The crowd around the Phoenix Convention Center started to become unruly — some throwing water bottles at police — and in response, officers shot canisters of tear gas and pepper spray.
Mayor Greg Stanton said in a statement that he supported the review from a neutral party.
“I support the City Manager’s decision to move forward with an independent review of the Phoenix Police response after last week’s Trump campaign rally outside the Phoenix Convention Center. …”
City Councilwoman Kate Gallego, who represents District 8, which includes downtown, also backed the inquiry.
On Wednesday the #Phx Council will vote on an independent review of police action during the Trump visit. I plan to support this review.
— Kate Gallego (@KateWGallego) August 28, 2017
Stanton’s release also said, “Phoenix is blessed with one of the finest police departments in the country. The hallmark of a great organization is its willingness to find ways to improve and better protect and serve our residents. The most important thing we as a community can do going forward is learn as much as possible after the events of last Tuesday.”
The mayor also said that a meeting was scheduled Sept. 5 with himself, Williams and “leaders of several the groups who organized the Trump protest.”
