Woman Charged with Assaulting Officers and Inciting a Riot During Protest at Richmond Police Headquarters

In the early morning hours, a protest nearly turned into a riot in Richmond, Virginia. Police said 22-year-old Michaela Hatton repeatedly crossed the police line after being told not to, and “when a RPD officer attempted to stop her, the suspect struck the officer in the head with a bullhorn.”

Hatton has been charged with the assault and battery of a police officer and conspiring with others to incite a riot. Police also said that during the booking process, Hatton refused to give her personal information, which is required by law.

Hatton was arraigned on Monday morning on the felony charges, released on her own recognizance, and due back in court on July 14. “At her hearing Monday, the judge also banned her from any actions tending to incite criminal activity,” police said.

Richmond Police Chief William C. Smith said of the incident, “This demonstration escalated into rioting and violence that lasted throughout the night and into the early morning hours. Last night’s actions far exceeded what is considered to be lawful First Amendment activity. Organizers were intent on provocation and creating mayhem by throwing rocks and other objects at the officers on duty, who showed great restraint in response to these attacks.”

Police were forced to use tear gas after protesters had thrown objects like water bottles at officers. Smith confirmed rocks and other objects, including a cone, were thrown at his officers.

Watch: police officers fire canisters of tear gas at protestors outside Richmond Police headquarters overnight. I’m told a cone was thrown at officers. @NBC12 pic.twitter.com/hafUqDR85e

— Olivia Ugino (@OliviaNBC12) June 15, 2020