Man arrested for trying, unsuccessfully, to incite a riot at Salinas demonstration

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) A man was arrested for trying to "incite the crowd into acts of violence" at Monday's "solidarity rally" for the killing of George Floyd.

Salinas Police confirm with KION Wednesday night that his alleged attempt was unsuccessful and the rally remained non-violent and peaceful. "He dropped the bottle and it broke. For that reason he was unable to carry out throwing a molotov cocktail in to the crowd," said Adele Frese, Salinas Police Chief.

Had Morelos followed through, Frese said it would have been an act of terror. "It terrorizes people to have something suddenly blow up near you and where you believe to be safe," said Frese.

At the demonstration at the Salinas Sports Complex, Salinas Police say Samuel Morelos, a 25-year-old gang member on parole, was yelling at people to "burn the building down" and encourage looting as well as vandalism.

The solidarity rally was organized by the Salinas League of United Latin America Citizens (LULAC). "There's no room in our community for anything but a peaceful rally. It's time for everyone in our community to come together, unite and make change," said Salinas LULAC President, Chris Barrera.

According to SPD, their Violence Suppression Task Force (VSTF) officers watched Morelos go to his car and grab a bottle of lighter fluid and a wine bottle. SPD points out these are items used to make Molotov cocktails.

Morelos was arrested after the Salinas VSTF searched his property, Wednesday. SPD says they found glass bottles, similar to the one from the rally, and a can of lighter fluid.

Morelos was booked into Monterey County Jail and faces charges of: inciting a riot, possession of incendiary devices, and parole violation.

Frese said the Salinas Police Department plans to continue to monitor protests from a distance. If violence occurs, Frese said officers are ready to step in and provide protection.