DES MOINES, Iowa - Police deployed tear gas on protesters for the fourth night in a row Monday.
Officers in riot gear announced five dispersal orders as demonstrators approached the steps of the state capitol before launching tear gas and igniting flash bangs at about 11:45 p.m. The crowd then quickly dispersed.
The Des Moines Register says one of its reporters was pepper sprayed in the eye and ear while holding a press badge and declaring to be a member of the press.
The people who were tear gassed began as a group of several hundred who marched around downtown and the East Village after leaving a peaceful rally held earlier in the evening.
The "Together We Can Make A Change: A Call To Action" rally featured Representative Ako Abdul-Samad and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Director Connie Ryan. About 1,000 people attended the gathering, which ended with the entire group kneeling together.
Before being dispersed by tear gas, the Monday night demonstrations did not feature looting or vandalism and protesters were peaceful, with some asking police to take off their riot gear and march with them.
Representative Abdul Samad said officers would not march with protesters Monday night, but had agreed to organize a march in the future. Abdul Samad has been visible trying to negotiate between police and protesters during the course of the protests in Des Moines over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.