TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa city leaders addressed a series of minor incidents that happened on a night that was otherwise full of peaceful protests.
The Tampa Police Department said 68 people were arrested after it issued an order to disperse late Tuesday night. TPD said as officers tried to get the remaining people -- about 300 -- to disperse, some people began throwing rocks and bottles at the officers.
TPD said it found damage on one of the police vehicles at the scene.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said protesters were fine before a series of agitation came in that night.
"The protesters they were fine. They were doing a great job then the agitation comes in and it’s just, it’s not good and we see individuals in these crowds that have guns, have baseball bats and they’re not there to lawfully express their positions," Mayor Castor said.
"We cannot have violence and public propterty destruction," Mayor Castor added.
The mayor said the protesters were not to blame for Tuesday's series of minor incidents.
