Aug 02, 2020

Police investigate alleged illegal protest activity in Kansas

Posted Aug 02, 2020 8:00 PM
Black Lives Matter protest late Friday night in Wichita -image courtesy Liberty ICT
Black Lives Matter protest late Friday night in Wichita -image courtesy Liberty ICT

WICHITA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating illegal protest activity that has occurred since Wednesday in Wichita.

The Wichita Police Department has monitored and is investigating illegal activity involving a group of protestors who have been meeting downtown, according to officer Charley Davidson.

The group is alleged to have been blocking traffic, causing disturbances, vandalizing property, aggravated assault with a firearm, and battery. Charges will be forthcoming, according to Davidson.

If anyone has any information regarding illegal activity or can identify photos of protestors who have engaged in illegal behavior, please call WPD detectives at 316-268-4407, or call the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282.

According to Davidson, the Wichita Police Department has always supported individual's right to demonstrate lawfully and has previously worked alongside other demonstration leaders to ensure their groups were able to share their views safely. However, the individuals protesting the past few days refuse to demonstrate lawfully.

"Police will continue to monitor any protest activities throughout Wichita. Illegal activity will not be tolerated, and criminals will be arrested and held accountable for their actions to the fullest extent of the law."