Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said a small group of individuals made "a choice of criminal conduct" by throwing rocks, bottles and gas at police officers after President Donald Trump concluded his speech Tuesday night in Phoenix.
THIS MORNING: Cleanup still happening from last night's #TrumpRallyPhoenix. Streets are back open, but barricades still all over sidewalks. pic.twitter.com/sIroovAtYt
— Alexa Liacko (@AlexaLiacko) August 23, 2017
She said Phoenix officers responded with pepper balls and pepper spray to disperse the people and to protect themselves.
In total, four people were arrested, Williams said at an evening media briefing. Two people were arrested on charges of aggravated assault, one for criminal damage, and another on an outstanding warrant, she said.
President Donald Trump spoke for about 90 minutes inside the Phoenix Convention Center to a crowd of 15,000 people, according to his office.
Prior to his speech, hundreds of people gathered in downtown Phoenix to support the President's visit, while others protested. Some voiced their opinion against hate and the events that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia, while others sought to spread messages of love.
Prior to the speech, there were no arrests or significant issues aside from disagreements between people.
Phoenix Fire said 56 people were treated for heat-related medical issues. At least one person was taken to the hospital for evaluation. The forecasted high for Phoenix on Tuesday was 108.
Most of the people left by 10:30 p.m.
