Police Intervene After 43rd Avenue Protest Escalates in Phoenix

PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 4 (KNN) — Hundreds of anti-immigration enforcement protesters occupied the intersection of 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road in Maryvale / Phoenix around 10 p.m. Monday. They began gathering early in the evening and initially remained on the sidewalks. As night fell and crowds grew, they took to the street and began blocking traffic.

Several protesters in vehicles performed illegal stunts in the intersection; vehicles were seen doing donuts, burnouts, and other dangerous activities. Multiple protesters were observed climbing on a semi-truck stuck in the chaos.

A short time later, Phoenix police officers in riot gear began advancing eastbound on McDowell Road toward the crowd. Officers declared the assembly unlawful and issued commands to disperse. The protesters ignored police commands and began marching toward the riot line.

Officers deployed aerial flash bangs to disperse the crowd, but they continued to advance toward officers despite several attempts to deter further escalations. Multiple protesters were seen hurling objects toward officers, prompting police to deploy dozens of pepper balls into the crowd.

Officers slowly advanced eastbound, firing several volleys of pepper balls, eventually securing the intersection. With officers now in control of the intersection, the remaining demonstrators fled the area.

It is unknown if any arrests were made and if any injuries were reported.

Myles Kersey, Video Journalist / KNN