‘Unlawful Assembly’ Order Issued At South Bay MLK Rally

SAN JOSE, CA — An “unlawful assembly” order was issued Monday night at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day demonstration after members of the group used a laser to strike a police airship and officers on the ground, authorities said.

Police responded to reports of demonstrators gathered in front of San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo’s home at N. 15th and Washington streets at around 8 p.m., The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Two suspects, one adult and one juvenile, were arrested in connection with the laser strikes, San Jose police Sgt. Christian Camarillo told Patch.

“This is not only a felony but extremely dangerous for our pilot and crew,” police said in a statement on Twitter. “This will not be tolerated.”

The demonstration in front of the mayor’s home followed a “Dignity March” at City Hall scheduled to be held between 5:3o and 7:30 p.m.

Video posted of the demonstration in front of the mayor’s home showed protesters playing music and chanting “Black Lives Matter,” The Chronicle reports.

“We support our community members right to peacefully protest, however, jeopardizing Officer’s safety with laser strikes is not excusable,” police said.