Sioux Falls Police dispersed hundreds Wednesday night and made six arrests during a protest of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Cassidy Jennings was among those protesting in downtown Sioux Falls. Jennings said the police were mistreating protesters.
"We were right next to the cop, we were being silent, we were on the sidewalk, and around six to eight cops dropped tear gas right in front of all of us," Jennings said. "We dispersed — and it didn't get their eyes, but I think some people did get injured. They were shoving around multiple people of color."
The police department said it used two smoke grenades to disperse the crowd — not tear gas.
Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum said protesters were taunting police and unlawfully assembling.
"There's a time, place, and reasonableness standard — in the middle of the street, when it's getting dark, is not necessarily reasonable."
Officers used a loudspeaker to try to get demonstrators to move out of traffic in the streets and onto sidewalks. Police in riot helmets held batons as they approached demonstrators.
Thum said there were six arrests, including one minor and five adults. Thum said those arrested could face misdemeanor charges.
The demonstration was organized on social media.