4 booked for disorderly conduct following Saturday’s Roe v. Wade protest at Arizona Capitol
Jun 26, 2022, 7:30 PM | Updated: 7:35 pm
(KTAR News Photo/Torrence Dunham)
PHOENIX — Four people were booked on charges of rioting, disorderly conduct and trespassing after crowds dispersed following Saturday’s protest at the Arizona State Capitol Complex. authorities said.
The protest was in response to United States Supreme Court’s ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark case regarding rights to abortions.
Approximately 1,200 people attended the protest and march through Downtown Phoenix Saturday, which was peaceful, authorities said.
Most participants left by 11:30 p.m. when a group of approximately 50 people remained. A number of holdouts tore down the fence set up around the House and Senate Plaza, despite warnings from troopers throughout the day not to touch it.
Authorities said lawful protesters kept agitators from tearing down the fence earlier in the day.
Troopers took four people into custody as they attempted to breach another fence, authorities said.
Tear gas was used Friday night at the Arizona Senate building to disperse a larger protest after a group of people damaged multiple doors and memorials in Wesley Bolin Plaza.