Boise PD: Two arrested at downtown protests; events remained largely peaceful otherwise
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Two people were arrested during Tuesday's protests in downtown Boise, according to Bosie PD. Otherwise, chief Ryan Lee said the events remained largely peaceful.
Lee spoke to the media around 9:00 p.m. Tuesday as events began to de-escalate outside of Boise City Hall. He said that two people were arrested and charged with resisting and obstructing for hopping barricades into a police-only area. It's unclear which protest these two people were part of.
In addition, Lee said Boise Police is investigating a report of aggravated assault, and another report of aggravated assault and battery, but that both people have been detained.
Officers did intervene in several tense situations between protest groups, but Lee said they were able to de-escalate those situations without further incident.
Protesters gathered in different venues
Chief Lee said that having two different venues for different protests made the crowds much more manageable.
The Black Lives Matter protest was moved to Boise State University in front of the 'B' on University Drive at 4:00 p.m.
A separate group of protesters gathered at Capitol Park and marched to Boies City Hall around 5:30 p.m. This group was chanting 'U.S.A' and 'Back the Blue.'
Later in the evening, a small group of people supporting the Black LIves Matter movement gathered at City Hall as well. Protesters were kept on separate sides of the street, and police directed traffic through the area as demonstrations continued.
Prior to Tuesday's protests, Boise mayor Lauren McLean has urged everyone to avoid the downtown area, and Boise Police warned of an increased police presence in the downtown area.
"I want to reiterate that while I, and we, as a city, fully and whole-heartedly support everyone’s right to peacefully assemble and protest, we will not tolerate violence of any kind, and will hold those who incite it accountable," the mayor said Tuesday.
Mayor McLean will host a media roundtable Wednesday to discuss last night's protests (among other things). Chief Lee also plans to speak.