Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer says tear gas and pepper ball guns were used for a second straight night on protesters who gathered at 72nd and Dodge Saturday night.
Schmaderer says it began peacefully late Saturday afternoon and early on the protest was peaceful. As the night continued officers were the target of bottles, rocks and a squirt gun filled with urine.
There were reports of individuals with firearms at the protest and several arrests were made. Schmaderer says concern for the safety of protesters and law enforcement resulted in the gathering being declared an unlawful assembly.
Police began to move the crowd away from the intersection and as more objects were thrown at officers, he said, and tear gas was deployed along with pepper balls.
"I want to thank the peaceful protesters who came to exercise their voice on this important matter, but unfortunately some agitated the matter," Schmaderer says. No rubber bullets were fired. Schmaderer said the Omaha Police Department does not have rubber bullets in their arsenal.
"Our desire was to be here for everyone's safety and to express themselves. Once it becomes apparent, when things get unlawful and dangerous, that's when the totality of circumstances made for the unlawful assembly," he says.
With chants like "No justice; no peace," "George Floyd," "I can't breathe," and "Hands up; don't shoot," protestors again gathered to protest at the intersection of 72nd & Dodge around Saturday afternoon into the evening.
Mayor Jean Stothert issued this statement Saturday evening.
For two nights now, protestors have misused their right to lawfully assemble, risking the safety of other citizens and police officers.It is time to stop inciting violence. The Omaha Police Department is taking the necessary steps to protect everyone involved. I support the actions of Chief Schmaderer. Those who break the law will be arrested and held accountable.
Before the crowd started to gather Saturday afternoon, workers were seen at the Target store boarding up windows broken during Friday night's protest.