By: Richard L. Smith
Two out-of-state individuals were arrested Wednesday during demonstrations outside Delaney Hall after authorities say they became violent and assaulted Newark police officers.
According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., police arrested Thomas Alan Clemens, 30, of Oak Park, Illinois, and Aida Paige Riddle, 35, of Brooklyn, New York, during protests held on June 3.
Officials said the pair traveled to Newark and allegedly engaged in aggressive behavior toward members of the Newark Police Division during the protest.
“These two out-of-town individuals came into Newark—not with the intention to support detainees at Delaney Hall—but to incite violence and act aggressively toward members of the Newark Police Division,” Director Miranda said in a statement.
Authorities emphasized that the Newark Police Division remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of individuals who peacefully gather to protest.
“The goal of Newark Police is to safeguard the First Amendment rights of those who gather to protest issues they disagree with peacefully,” police said.
“However, when protesters become violent and strike officers, arrests have to be made to protect the officers and the public at large.”
Both Clemens and Riddle have been charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, obstruction, and rioting/failure to disperse.
Clemens also faces an additional charge of hindering apprehension, while Riddle was additionally charged with escape.