Washoe County Sheriff, Darin Balaam releases statement on riots in Downtown Reno on Saturday, May 30.
“Last night, a peaceful protest turned violent when a group of individuals threw rocks into Reno City Hall and a fire began. I am deeply, deeply disappointed and concerned. As Sheriff of Washoe County, my number one priority is the health and safety of this community – a community we are proud to live in and represent. What happened last night cannot happen again. Washoe County is a proud community – a community of diverse individuals who respect, honor and fight for one another every day. It has been this way my entire life.
These are challenging times and I understand there are people in our community who do not feel heard or seen. Let me tell these family members – I see you, I hear you and I will continue to listen. But we must listen to each other peacefully and respectfully. I implore Washoe County to not tolerate the violence we witnessed last night. While the curfew is lifted, now is not the time to return to the destruction of last night. This morning is the time to return to the hope and promise of a new day, to look at ourselves and each other and ask how we can be better. How we can listen to the words our brothers and sisters are saying – silently and out loud.”
- Sheriff Darin Balaam
Washoe County Sheriff's Office also released information on arrests made overnight following the riots downtown.
Officials say 23 people were taken into custody. They say 16 are Reno residents, four from Sparks and all others are from Fallon, Truckee and Anderson, California.
They say most face charges of trespassing and/or resisting an officer.
