Judge Orders CMPD To Stop Use Of Force Tactics Against Protesters

CHARLOTTE, NC — A North Carolina Superior Court Judge issued a temporary restraining order against the City of Charlotte and its police force following a violent incident where officers boxed in and used "riot control agents" against demonstrators.

In a video of the June 3 incident, protesters were seen running and screaming as officers trapped and targeted them with what those on the ground described as tear gas, pepper balls and flash bang stun grenades. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said the incident occurred after officers were targeted by protesters.

A group of civil rights advocates, protesters and journalists involved in the incident filed the June 19 lawsuit. "The lawsuit asserts CMPD orchestrated a premeditated and violent attack on peaceful demonstrators, trapping them with a maneuver called 'kettling' and assaulting them with rubber bullets, tear gas, and flash bang grenades," the American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement following the ruling.

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“The violence and chemical warfare perpetrated against peaceful demonstrators by CMPD was inexcusable – and we’re relieved the court has ordered an immediate halt to these atrocities,” said Dawn Blagrove, Executive Director of Emancipate NC, in a statement.

In a short response statement, CMPD said the restraining order limits the ability to deploy riot control agents disperse crowds gathering unlawfully. "Many of the restrictions referenced in the order are currently prohibited under CMPD policy. The order does however prevent the department from deploying riot control agents in gatherings that involve protesters who are damaging the property of others," CMPD said. "The CMPD will refrain from commenting further as this matter is before the courts."