Saturday, March 19, 2005 marks the 2nd anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. It also marks a moment in history where the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) used heavy-handed tactics on peaceful people expressing their opinions in a public forum, once protected under the U.S. constitution.

A group of over 90 people marched from L.V. Blvd. and Sahara between 6 and 9 p.m. with plans to have a candlelight vigil in front of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.

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However, when the group arrived at the Bellagio to peacefully assemble and begin the peace vigil, officers of LVMPD told the group they must cease and disperse as they did not have a permit.

Many in the group decided to sit on the sidewalk and refused to disperse. LVMPD officers began to arrest one individual after another, targeting those less-privileged and more vulnerable.

As officers began to arrest more people sitting, many stood up and followed orders to disperse. Police on foot and on horses forced the group to walk back to Sahara and LV Blvd.

While protesters were fully complying with the dispersal order, officers began to arrest one after another with no stated reason.

Approximately 20 to 25 peaceful people were targeted and arrested.