Dallas Police Chief Says She Won’t File Criminal Charges Against More Than 600 Protesters

Dallas police Chief Reneé Hall reversed her decision to file misdemeanor criminal charges against more than 600 people who went onto the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge during demonstrations Monday night.

Though Hall described the protesters as “peaceful” during a Tuesday morning news conference, she said they broke the law by blocking the road.

The chief said the group was warned not to go onto the bridge. They were detained for hours.

“If you break the law, we will arrest you,” Hall said Tuesday.

But Thursday afternoon, the chief released a statement saying she had consulted with Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax and other city leaders and ultimately decided not to file the charges against the people.

Police officials said 674 people faced a class B misdemeanor charge of obstructing the highway.

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City officials said the chief and other leaders have participated in the demonstrations.

Broadnax said in a statement that he was “truly moved” to see Dallas police officers take a knee during protests Wednesday night.

“In any form, racism is the enemy not the protesters,” the city manager said of the decision not to file the charges.

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Police said Molotov cocktails and bricks have been found in areas around the demonstrations.

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