Judge clears air about order restraining CMPD’s use of chemical agents

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Judge Karen Eady-Williams had attorneys back in court Friday to ensure everyone understood exactly what her order meant a week after issued a temporary restraining order preventing CMPD from using chemical agents against peaceful protestors

Eady-Williams got backlash after she ruled that police couldn't use chemical agents against peaceful protesters.

A post on CMPD's Facebook page said that the order prevents police from deploying riot control agents when protesters are damaging property.

The post drew hundreds of comments and many of them were critical of Eady-Williams.

The judge said they misunderstood.

“At no point in that hearing was the issue of property or property damage ever addressed,” Eady-Williams said.

Eady-Williams amended her order on Monday to say, specifically, that police can use chemical agents against protesters who were turning into looters.

“So, that should clear up any mischaracterizations, any misleading statements, any misunderstandings as to the spirit or intent of that order,” the judge said.

Attorneys for the protesters said Friday hearing was all about clearing the air.

“The judge just felt like the public had the right know what her order stated and just wanted to make sure that we’re talking about people’s constitutional rights,” said attorney Michael Littlejohn, with Littlejohn Law.

Attorneys for police, and the city didn't comment after the hearing.

Another post on CMPD’s Facebook page acknowledged that the judge’s ruling does not prevent officers from using riot-control agents against protesters who are damaging property.

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