Herman Hill riot

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Herman Hill Riot was a conflict in Wichita, Kansas between the audience of a concert in Herman Hill park and the police on April 15, 1979, Easter Sunday. Reports cited at least 51 people were injured during the riot.

The concert began in a park that was rated to hold 1,500 people, but later estimates of the crowd ranged between 3,500-5,000 people. Responding to complaints about loud noise, drug use, and illegally parked cars led police to order citizens to remove their cars from the grass. One individual dispensing beer from the back of a truck refused to move his vehicle and instead assaulted officers. In an effort to thwart the arrest, the crowd began throwing rocks and bottles. By the account of police officers, this individual was credited as instigator in what became known as the Herman Hill Riot.

Numerous officers responded to the scene. As a result of the riot, 62 adults and 22 juveniles were taken into custody. Many people were injured during the riot, with reports citing 22 citizens and 31 police officers. Many law enforcement agencies in the area took part, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, and Sheriff's Offices and police departments nearby Kansas towns, including Arkansas City, Colwich, Goddard, Derby and Haysville. Representatives from a total of 22 different law enforcement groups descended on the scene. Reports cited damage related to the riot of more than $10,000.

There was public outcry related to the way the riot was handled by the police, and the overwhelming number of officers called to the scene. There were no lasting injuries among officers or citizens and, in the end, police were not found to have broken any laws. in an interview, the city's Police Chief denied that brutality was used in quelling the riot. After the statement, a video tape was shown in which police hit citizens with batons.

This event inspired a song by Manilla Road, Herman Hill, released in 1979.[1]