District Attorney’s Office Will Not File Cases Related to Peaceful Protests

Monday afternoon, law enforcement officers with the Lawrence Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office made six arrests and issued three citations while attempting to clear protesters from Massachusetts Street. The protesters in question had been asked to leave the roadway but declined to follow the officers’ orders in violation of K.S.A. 8-1503. Later that same evening, law enforcement closed the street for continued use by protesters.  

The District Attorney’s Office will not file charges based on the citations referred to District Court or against anyone else engaged in peaceful, nonviolent protests.  The District Attorney’s Office supports the right for protestors to gather peacefully. Law enforcement investigations continue regarding the vehicles that attempted to drive into the protest and of the banner hung in South Park.

*Rule 226 - Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct

3.6 Advocate: Trial Publicity

3.8 Advocate: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor