Glendale Unrest: Police Vehicle Stolen and Vandalized Amid Anti-ICE Protests

By Matthew Holloway |

A protest against the Trump Administration’s immigration policies escalated into a violent riot in Glendale on Sunday. The event, which took place near the intersection of 67th Avenue and Camelback Road, drew an estimated crowd of over 1,000 people.

Glendale Police described the situation as “violent and unruly,” highlighting significant disruptions, including a stolen police SUV that was driven a short distance before being abandoned. Initial reports indicated that both Glendale and Phoenix police agencies had anticipated the protest, deploying officers to maintain safety and order.

According to KTAR, the gathering remained peaceful for the first two hours. However, around 7:30 PM, the situation deteriorated as demonstrators surged into the street. Tensions rose markedly, with individuals throwing rocks, concrete, and glass bottles at law enforcement. The police reported that the crowd became increasingly defiant as violence erupted.

Footage from Glendale PD body cameras revealed disturbing scenes, including a rioter damaging a police vehicle while an officer was inside. At approximately 10:16 PM, police used crowd control measures, including various chemical agents, to disperse the assembly, which cleared within twenty minutes.

Damage was substantial, with several police vehicles suffering smashed windshields, slashed tires, and other vandalism. Local businesses weren’t spared, with reports of damage to civilian vehicles and a storage container that was set ablaze.

The Glendale Arizona FOP Lodge expressed concern, stating, “Law Enforcement in this country is going to need some prayers.” They noted the severity of the attack on both law enforcement and local businesses, asserting that this event was far from a peaceful protest. Their call to action underscored the ongoing challenges facing police amid rising tensions in various communities.

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