Rioting or participating in a riot generally means the assembly of multiple persons resulting in conduct that (1) creates an immediate danger of damage to property or injury to persons; (2) substantially obstructs law enforcement or other governmental functions or services; (3) is tumultuous or violent and likely to cause public alarm; or (4) deprives any person of a legal right or disturbs any person in the enjoyment of a legal right by using force or the threat of force.

Rioting laws vary from state to state and some states have related offenses such as inciting a riot, unlawful assembly, failing to disperse, and disturbing the peace. These laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Alaska, rioting is addressed under Alaska Statutes Section 11.61.110. The law defines a riot as a public disturbance involving an assembly of five or more persons which by tumultuous and violent conduct creates grave danger of damage or injury to property or persons, or substantially obstructs law enforcement or other government functions. A person commits the crime of riot if he or she knowingly participates in a riot. Rioting is considered a Class B misdemeanor in Alaska. Related offenses include disorderly conduct, which can encompass behavior that is likely to cause substantial inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, and failure to disperse, where individuals are required to leave the area of a riot when ordered to do so by a peace officer. The specifics of these offenses, including the potential penalties upon conviction, are detailed in the Alaska Penal Code. It is advisable for individuals to consult with an attorney for guidance on how these laws may apply to specific situations.