HAPPENING NOW: We’re waiting on RPD Chief Gerald Smith... He’s expected to address what happened in Richmond last night. We will be streaming it live on @8NEWS. 
RPD spokesperson just said at least 12 people were arrested last night. @8NEWS
17 total people were arrested last night in Richmond. 15 adults and 2 juveniles. @8NEWS
Some main points from Chief Smith’s news conference, according to Smith:
-they knew a violent night was planned so the 17 arrests were "proactive"
-at least 15/17 of the people arrested were from Virginia (no info on the juveniles)
-3 fires were set
(Cont.) @8NEWS
-they knew a violent night was planned so the 17 arrests were "proactive"
-at least 15/17 of the people arrested were from Virginia (no info on the juveniles)
-3 fires were set
(Cont.) @8NEWS
-Smith repeatedly mentioned the difficulty of differentiating journalists from people who claim to be... he says reporters can be arrested if they are trespassing like others were
(Cont.) @8NEWS
(Cont.) @8NEWS
Context: Some local journalists report being questioned by, "manhandled” by police last night at Monroe park or outside of the park @8NEWS
-Smith thinks the same people behind Saturday’s riots are responsible for last night’s flyer inciting violence and eventual riot.
I asked if RPD has any knowledge of any more “militia” style groups involved and he didn’t name any. Said they are investigating. @8NEWS
I asked if RPD has any knowledge of any more “militia” style groups involved and he didn’t name any. Said they are investigating. @8NEWS
Chief Smith said the people arrested last night for trespassing in or near Monroe park were seen in Monroe park at some point after hours (after 10) @8NEWS
