Winnebago County, Illinois: "Winnebago County officials held a news conference Saturday afternoon to address the arrest of protesters on Friday and Saturday. Since Friday, about 15 people have been arrested during protests against police brutality and racism. Many of them were charged with misdemeanors, while some face more serious charges like mob action, aggravated battery to a police officer, and obstructing a police officer.

Around 7 p.m. Friday night, Rockford Police arrested nine protesters. On Saturday morning after a Back the Blue rally was held, more protesters were taken in custody after police asked them to leave and they did not. It was Hite Ross [State's Attorney] who took most of the questions about why charges were being pressed now, when the group has been conducting similar demonstrations for not weeks, but months now. She says her office has discretion.

"You are not going to block road ways for no purpose. You wanted to express yourself several weeks ago we allowed you to do that but we have moved on from that. We have been giving you warning that you will not be allowed to do that anymore. They were given a warning to disperse by law enforcement and they did not do that."

She continued, "My message is very clear. You are permitted to demonstrate, but you must do it peacefully. You cant not threaten or impede or obstruct traffic and motorists who are just trying to go about their business. Again, law enforcement are here to work with you but it takes two to work together."

wrex.com/2020/08/01/authorities-address-arrest-of-protesters-you-are-permitted-to-demonstrate-but-you-must-do-it-peacefully/