BOSTON — A protest that began peacefully at Boston Common on Tuesday evening turned violent when demonstrators blocked downtown streets and assaulted police officers, leading to multiple arrests and injuries.
The rally started at about 5:30 p.m. Oct. 7 with officers from several units responding to monitor the event.
At approximately 6:46 p.m., the protest group of 200 to 300 individuals blocked Tremont Street near Winter Street, preventing police vehicles from responding to an unrelated emergency three blocks away.
Many protesters wore facial coverings and gloves, interlocked arms and chanted over amplified bullhorns while refusing to clear the roadway.
When officers attempted to move the group to the sidewalk to allow emergency vehicles to pass, protesters surrounded police cruisers and kicked vehicle doors.
Several officers were assaulted during the confrontation, including one who was struck in the face.
Protesters ignited smoke devices and flares as violence escalated at the intersection of Tremont and Winter streets.
Officers reported that equipment was forcibly removed or damaged, including body-worn cameras, radios, bicycles and other duty gear.
Four officers were transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.
No arrestees required medical attention.
Thirteen individuals were arrested on charges including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace and unlawful assembly.
Roder Atwood, 21, of Somerville faces the most serious charges, including assault and battery on a police officer and assault and battery resulting in serious bodily injury.
The other arrestees are Osama Khatib, 26, of Watertown; Atalanta Carrig-Braun, 20, of Boston; Haley MacIntyre, 24, of Dorchester; Madeline Weikel, 27, of Watertown; Jacob Pettigrew, 22, of Malden; Amun Prophet, 25, of Allston; Laith Hintzman, 19, of Boston; Benjamin Choucroun, 20, of Medford; Owen Woodcock, 26, of Boston; Prahlad Iyengar, 25, of Boston; Styx Hatch, 19, of Boston; and Gabrielle Smith, 28, of Cambridge.
All are expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.
