On March 4, 2019, at approximately 6:50 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department (SPD) responded to the area of 50th Street and Folsom Boulevard regarding a group of approximately 100 protesters marching through the residential area(s) with whistles and amplified sound.

Initially, protestors marched in the street peacefully. Over the next two hours, however, the circumstances began to change. The group of protestors blocked access to a hospital in the area. Multiple vehicles were vandalized during the protest (photos attached). Officers continue to conduct follow-up and gather information on vehicles that were vandalized. A verbal confrontation with a homeowner took place followed by a heated argument and assault. A protestor was observed walking and holding an unknown object that was on fire. Our helicopter captured video footage of this subject (photo attached).

At approximately 7:20 p.m., the gathering was declared an unlawful assembly and the group was ordered to disperse through a series of announcements, giving participants the ability to leave the area on their own accord. For approximately one hour and forty minutes, thirty dispersal orders were given. Officers gave 15 announcements via loudspeakers from a patrol vehicle. Additionally, due to the amplified sound and whistles the protestors were using, a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) was utilized 15 times. This was done to ensure the protestors heard the announcements.

Some participants left the area, however, a large group remained. In the interest of community safety, protection of property and after multiple requests to disperse were made, officers proceeded with an orderly arrest process. Throughout the course of the protest, 84 people were arrested for unlawful assembly. Of those 84 people, one person was arrested for unlawful assembly and for being in possession of a prohibited weapon.

Investigators continue to conduct follow-up related to this protest. If you have any information regarding this protest or if you have property that has been damaged, please contact our police department at (916) 808-5471.

The Sacramento Police Department respects and upholds the constitutional rights of all members of our community including the right to express and exercise free speech.  We will continue to balance these rights with the protection of property and life.