HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — More than 700 people came out to Downtown Huntsville Monday night to peacefully protest the death of George Floyd. As the night went on, the protest took a turn.
The peaceful protest lasted about four hours, but police say a small group of people stayed later into the evening and began to threaten officers and public property.
Huntsville Police Chief Mark McMurray said, "They were all in violation of a lawful order that both the sheriff that the chief gave to disband. At that point, they were unlawfully assembling and were blocking the roadway. That's called disorderly conduct. It's called inciting a riot. There were multiple charges we could have put on over 100 people. We chose not to do that."
Officials say they tried to get the crowd to leave for an hour and a half. It was when the sun began to set that they decided to use a gas grenade and a mild irritant.
Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner said, "One canister of spray is a whole lot better than 40, 50, 60 cops having to fight a crowd to try to get them into handcuffs. It sent them on their way. We disbursed the crowd, and I feel like it ended in a peaceful manner and I think everybody there did a great job."
The protest did lead to arrests. One was Owen Eason. He is charged with pulling out a gun at the protest. A warrant is out for another protester said to have had a gun as well.
Bringing a firearm to a protest or rally is against the law in Alabma.
"Even with a carry and conceal license, do not bring a weapon to a protest or demonstration. You can't do it," said Chief McMurray.
Officials are encouraging people to have peaceful protests. Police ask that organizers apply for a permit 3 days before the event. It can be done online. Click here for more information.
"Yes, you still have a First Amendment right to have your protest or your demonstration without the reservation," said Chief McMurray, "But it gives you some coverage so no one will come in and interfere with you, and it gives you exclusive rights to that piece of real estate."
Officers believe the protest scheduled for Wednesday in Huntsville will be a peaceful one. They are working with the NAACP, the organizers of the protest, to ensure a safe and peaceful protest.
WATCH: Protesters turn out to demand justice for George Floyd