Unlawful Assembly Declared

UPDATE: As of 2:00 a.m. Virginia Beach Police report no further acts of disturbance are occurring at the oceanfront. A heavy police presence will remain in place. Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the area at this time. Additional updates to this release will be forthcoming. On Sunday May 31, 2020 at approximately 7:40 p.m. a large group of people gathered at the Rudy Loop to participate in a peaceful march on Atlantic Avenue. At approximately 9:45 p.m. a small portion of the marchers began to participate in criminal behavior resulting in police enforcement. At 10:32 p.m. the Virginia Beach Police Department declared the gathering an Unlawful Assembly requesting the participants to disburse. Currently there is extensive police activity at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Access to vehicles and pedestrians is being restricted at this time. All residents and visitors are requested to avoid the area. Future updates to this release will advise when it is safe to return to the area. MPO LM Bauder, Public Affairs OfficerVirginia Beach Police Department