Subscribe "What occurred yesterday was not a peaceful protest. It was not a productive act of political expression," said Cureton, who did note that, in large part, the protesters who gathered on Saturday were there with good intentions. Cureton, said by 3 p.m. roughly 150 protesters were present outside the jail and demonstrators became "increasingly unruly." Law enforcement officials on the ground used "tactical smokes" in an effort to disperse the crowd, but said no tear gas was used. Video of Cureton's remarks is below: In a point that has been denied by activist groups from across the state, Cureton said protesters hopped barricades, threw bricks and used pepper spray against officers. He also said two law enforcement officers were bitten.